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arXiv · 2610.19593

Complex pattern in periodically driven binary Quincke colloids

Chuan Yu Zhang·Mu Yue Zhao·Xiao Yi Zhou·Wen-De Tian·Kang Chen·Tian Hui Zhang
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Abstract

Binary active systems offer a minimal platform for understanding how component heterogeneity organizes non-equilibrium structures. Here we show that in a binary Quincke system driven by a periodic square-wave electric field, a dynamic square lattice in which small particles occupy the lattice-cell centers which are surrounded by large particles emerges spontaneously. Particle-resolved trajectories reveal that the size separation arises from the mobility difference of large particles and small particles. Increasing the driving frequency reduces the single-cycle path lengths of both species and simultaneously decreases the lattice constant. These results show how size-dependent activity,density redistribution, and periodic forcing cooperate to generate tunable complex active patterns.

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Chuan Yu Zhang, Mu Yue Zhao, Xiao Yi Zhou, Wen-De Tian, Kang Chen, Tian Hui Zhang. 2026-10-14. Complex pattern in periodically driven binary Quincke colloids. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.19593

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