Phase behavior and dynamics of active Brownian particles in an alignment field.

Abstract

Self-propelled particles that are subject to noise are a well-established generic model system for active matter. A homogeneous alignment field can be used to orient the direction of the self-propulsion velocity and to model systems like phoretic Janus particles with a magnetic dipole moment or magnetotactic bacteria in an external magnetic field. Computer simulations are used to predict the phase behavior and dynamics of self-propelled Brownian particles in a homogeneous alignment field in two dimensions. Phase boundaries of the gas-liquid coexistence region are calculated for various Péclet numbers, particle densities, and alignment field strengths. Critical points and exponents are calculated and, in agreement with previous simulations, do not seem to belong to the universality class of the 2D Ising model. Finally, the dynamics of spinodal decomposition for quenching the system from the one-phase to the two-phase coexistence region by increasing the Péclet number is characterized. Our results may help to identify parameters for optimal transport of active matter in complex environments.