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Formation of stable and responsive collective states in suspensions of active colloids

Author

Listed:
  • Tobias Bäuerle

    (Fachbereich Physik, Universität Konstanz)

  • Robert C. Löffler

    (Fachbereich Physik, Universität Konstanz)

  • Clemens Bechinger

    (Fachbereich Physik, Universität Konstanz)

Abstract

Many animal species organise into disordered swarms, polarised flocks or swirls to protect from predators or optimise foraging. Previous studies suggest that such collective states are related to a critical point, which could explain their balance between robustness to noise and high responsiveness regarding external perturbations. Here we provide experimental evidence for this idea by investigating the stability of swirls formed by light-responsive active colloids which adjust their individual motion to positions and orientations of neighbours. Because their behaviour can be precisely tuned, controlled changes between different collective states can be achieved. During the transition between stable swirls and swarms we observe a maximum of the group’s susceptibility indicating the vicinity of a critical point. Our results support the idea of system-independent organisation principles of collective states and provide useful strategies for the realisation of responsive yet stable ensembles in microrobotic systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Bäuerle & Robert C. Löffler & Clemens Bechinger, 2020. "Formation of stable and responsive collective states in suspensions of active colloids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-16161-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16161-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiangzun Wang & Frank Cichos, 2024. "Harnessing synthetic active particles for physical reservoir computing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Xiangzun Wang & Pin-Chuan Chen & Klaus Kroy & Viktor Holubec & Frank Cichos, 2023. "Spontaneous vortex formation by microswimmers with retarded attractions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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