Hexatic Order Coupled with Thermal Noise Produces Bubbles in Two-Dimensional Active Matter

TL;DR

This study uses particle simulations to show that hexatic order and thermal noise together cause bubble formation in dense phases of two-dimensional active matter, revealing new insights into non-equilibrium phase separation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that both hexatic order and thermal noise are essential for bubble formation, clarifying the mechanisms behind phase separation in active matter.

Findings

Hexatic order is necessary for bubble formation.

Thermal noise, even small, is required for bubbles.

Cooperative motion in dense phases may be crucial for bubble production.

Abstract

The phase separation of purely-repulsive particles induced by self-propulsion is among the most well-studied non-equilibrium phase transitions. However, some notable features of this transition remain open questions, including the origin of bubbles within the dense phase in two dimensions. Various explanations have been proposed, ranging from a reversal of the Ostwald ripening process to topological defects at the borders of hexatic domains. We present particle-based simulations that disentangle the effect of hexatic domains on the bubble size and number distribution through the introduction of polydispersity. While hexatic order is found to be necessary for bubble formation, we also identify thermal translational noise is required for bubble generation. Intriguingly, the magnitude of the thermal noise needed for bubble formation can be remarkably small in comparison with the particle activity but cannot be identically zero. The cooperative motion evidenced within the dense phase of the thermal hexatic domains may may be necessary for bubble production.