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Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking for Driven Interacting Particles on Triangular Substrates

C. Reichhardt·C. J. Olson Reichhardt
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Abstract

For collectively interacting repulsive particles driven on triangular substrates, we show that for certain directions of drive a spontaneous symmetry breaking phenomena occurs where the particles can flow in one of two directions that are not aligned with the external drive, giving rise to a positive or negative Hall current. Along these directions, the particle flow is highly ordered, while in the direction of the drive the flow is disordered. We also find a number of dynamical phase transitions and unusual hysteretic properties that arise due to the symmetry breaking properties of the flows.

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C. Reichhardt, C. J. Olson Reichhardt. 2003-11-20. Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking for Driven Interacting Particles on Triangular Substrates. https://doi.org/10.1209/epl%2Fi2004-10182-9

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