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arXiv · 1701.02639

Active cluster crystals

Jean-Baptiste Delfau·Cristóbal López·Emilio Hernández-García
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Abstract

We study the appearance and properties of cluster crystals (solids in which the unit cell is occupied by a cluster of particles) in a two-dimensional system of self-propelled active Brownian particles with repulsive interactions. Self-propulsion deforms the clusters by depleting particle density inside, and for large speeds it melts the crystal. Continuous field descriptions at several levels of approximation allow to identify the relevant physical mechanisms.

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Jean-Baptiste Delfau, Cristóbal López, Emilio Hernández-García. 2017-08-21. Active cluster crystals. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630%2Faa7e71

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