Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

Breakdown of time-reversal symmetry is a defining property of nonequilibrium systems, such as active matter, which is composed of units that consume energy. We employ a formalism that allows us to derive a class of identities associated with the time-reversal transformation in nonequilibrium field theories, in the spirit of Ward-Takahashi identities. We present a generalization of the fluctuation dissipation theorem valid for active systems as a particular realization of such an identity, and consider its implications and applications for a range of active field theories. The field theoretical toolbox developed here helps to quantify the degree of nonequilibrium activity of complex systems exhibiting collective behavior.

Abstract:

Recent results demonstrate how deviations from equilibrium fluctuation–dissipation theorem can be quantified for active field theories by deriving exact fluctuations dissipation relations that involve the entropy production [M. K. Johnsrud and R. Golestanian, ]. Here we develop and employ diagrammatic tools to perform perturbative calculations for a paradigmatic active field theory, the nonreciprocal Cahn-Hilliard (NRCH) model. We obtain analytical results, which serve as an illustration of how to implement the recently developed framework to active field theories, and help to illuminate the specific nonequilibrium characteristics of the NRCH field theory.

Abstract:

The spontaneous (so-called Quincke) rotation of an uncharged, solid, dielectric, spherical particle under a steady uniform electric field is analyzed, accounting for the inertia of the particle and the transient fluid inertia, or “hydrodynamic memory,” due to the unsteady Stokes flow around the particle. The dynamics of the particle are encapsulated in three coupled nonlinear integro-differential equations for the evolution of the angular velocity of the particle, and the components of the induced dipole of the particle that are parallel and transverse to the applied field. These equations represent a generalization of the celebrated Lorenz system. A numerical solution of these ‘modified Lorenz equations’ (MLE) shows that hydrodynamic memory leads to an increase in the threshold field strength for chaotic particle rotation, which is in qualitative agreement with experimental observations. Furthermore, hydrodynamic memory leads to an increase in the range of field strengths where multistability between steady and chaotic rotation occurs. At large field strengths, chaos ceases, and the particle is predicted to execute periodic rotational motion.

Abstract:

We consider a nonlinear oscillator with state-dependent time-delay that displays a countably infinite number of nested limit cycle attractors, i.e. megastability. In the low-memory regime, the equation reduces to a self-excited nonlinear oscillator and we use averaging methods to analytically show quasilinear increasing amplitude of the megastable spectrum of quantized quasicircular orbits. We further assign a mechanical energy to each orbit using the Lyapunov energy function and obtain a quadratically increasing energy spectrum and (almost) constant frequency spectrum. We demonstrate transitions between different quantized orbits, i.e. different energy levels, by subjecting the system to an external finite-time harmonic driving. In the absence of external driving force, the oscillator asymptotes towards one of the megastable quantized orbits having a fixed average energy. For a large driving amplitude with frequency close to the limit cycle frequency, resonance drives transitions to higher energy levels. Alternatively, for large driving amplitude with frequency slightly detuned from limit-cycle frequency, beating effects can lead to transitions to lower energy levels. Such driven transitions between quantized orbits form a classical analog of quantum jumps. For excitations to higher energy levels, we show amplitude locking where nearby values of driving amplitudes result in the same response amplitude, i.e. the same final higher energy level. We rationalize this effect based on the basins of different limit cycles in phase space. From a practical viewpoint, our work might find applications in physical and engineering system where controlled transitions between several limit cycles of a multistable dynamical system is desired.