Dynamical Clustering Interrupts Motility Induced Phase Separation in Chiral Active Brownian Particles


Abstract in English

Using computer simulations and dynamic mean-field theory, we demonstrate that fast enough rotation of circle active Brownian particles in two dimensions generates a dynamical clustering state interrupting the conventional motility induced phase separation (MIPS). Multiple clusters arise from the combination of the conventional MIPS cohesion, and the circulating current caused disintegration. The non-vanishing current in non-equilibrium steady states microscopically originates from the motility ``relieved by automatic rotation, which breaks the detailed balance at the continuum level. This mechanism sheds light on the understanding of dynamic clusters formation observed in a variety of active matter systems, and may help examine the generalization of effective thermodynamic concepts developed in the context of MIPS.

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