Emergent patterns in shape-asymmetric Quincke rollers

Abstract

This study investigates the Quincke rolling phenomenon of snowman-shaped colloidal particles. These chiral rollers exhibit individual and collective dynamic states that depend upon the population and driving field strength. In addition to the previously identified dynamic states, such as spinning and vortex states, we identify the standing and bounded motion of the particles. The bounded motion involves the confined orbiting of particles around the center of mass due to hydrodynamic interactions at low particle area fractions. Our findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of active systems and the fabrication of active materials, emphasizing emergent order and adaptability as key guiding principles.

Keywords

• Emergent patterns
• Synthetic colloidal motors
• Quincke rollers
• Bounded motion
• Standing phase