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Diffraction and interference with run-and-tumble particles

Author

Listed:
  • Maes, Christian
  • Meerts, Kasper
  • Struyve, Ward

Abstract

Run-and-tumble particles, frequently considered today for modeling bacterial locomotion, naturally appear outside a biological context as well. Here, we consider them in a quantum mechanical relation, using a wave function to drive their propulsion and tumbling. Such quantum-active motion realizes a jittery motion of Dirac electrons (as in the famous Zitterbewegung): the Dirac electron is a run-and-tumble particle, where the tumbling is between chiralities. We visualize the electron trajectories in single and double slit experiments and discuss their dependence on the spin-direction. In particular, that yields the time-of-arrival statistics of the electrons at the screen. Finally, we observe that away from pure quantum guidance, run-and-tumble particles with suitable spacetime-dependent parameters produce an interference pattern as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Maes, Christian & Meerts, Kasper & Struyve, Ward, 2022. "Diffraction and interference with run-and-tumble particles," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 598(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:598:y:2022:i:c:s037843712200259x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2022.127323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weiss, George H, 2002. "Some applications of persistent random walks and the telegrapher's equation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 311(3), pages 381-410.
    2. Ch. Kurtsiefer & T. Pfau & J. Mlynek, 1997. "Measurement of the Wigner function of an ensemble of helium atoms," Nature, Nature, vol. 386(6621), pages 150-153, March.
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