Rectification and collective dynamics of active particles driven by misaligned perception-dependent motility.

Abstract

We numerically study the rectification and collective dynamics of active particles driven by misaligned perception-dependent motility within an asymmetric channel. The swirling motion induced by misaligned perception can be effectively harnessed and converted into directed motion through a ratchet mechanism. Notably, the direction of motion is dictated solely by the channel's asymmetry and is independent of the misalignment angle's orientation. For identical particles, suitable parameters lead to the formation of a cluster that simultaneously rotates and exhibits directed motion as a whole within the channel. This cluster rotation, driven by misalignment, significantly enhances particle rectification. Optimal rectification occurs at specific values of key parameters, including channel width, self-propulsion speed, visual cone half-angle, and perception threshold, at which the average velocity is maximized. In binary mixtures of oppositely misaligned particles, simultaneous rectification and spontaneous separation are observed. The rectification effect is maximized when the two particle types are completely separated. These findings provide insights into controlling active matter through misaligned perception-dependent motility and asymmetric environments.