Collective Ratchet Transport Generated by Particle Crowding under Asymmetric Sawtooth‐Shaped Static Potential

Abstract

Herein, the ratchet transport of particles under static asymmetric potential with periodicity is investigated. Ratchet transport garners considerable attention due to its potential for application in smart transport techniques on a micrometer scale. In previous studies, either particle self‐propulsion or time‐varying potential has been introduced to realize unidirectional transport. The ratchet transport through particle interactions during crowding without utilizing these two factors is experimentally demonstrated. Such ratchet transport induced by particle interaction has not previously been experimentally demonstrated, although some theoretical studies have suggested that particle crowding enhances ratchet transport. In addition, a model for such transport in which the potential varies depending on the particle density is constructed, which agrees well with the experimental results. The development of transport techniques on a micrometer scale is accelerated.

Keywords

• collective motions
• ratcheting
• smart particle transports
• swarm behaviors