Self-propelled particles undergoing cyclic transitions (2501.16048v1)

Abstract: Cyclic transitions between active and passive states are central to many natural and synthetic systems, ranging from light-driven active particles to animal migrations. Here, we investigate a minimal model of self-propelled Brownian particles undergoing cyclic transitions across three spatial zones: gain, loss, and neutral regions. Particles become active in the gain region, passive in the loss region, and retain their state in the neutral region. By analyzing the steady-state behavior as a function of particle number and the size of the loss region, we identify a threshold particle number, below and above which distinct structural changes are observed. Interestingly, below this threshold, increasing the particle number reduces the state-switching time (the time required for a particle to transition from active to passive and back to active). In contrast, above the threshold, further increases in particle number result in longer switching times. In the subthreshold regime, our analytical model predicts structural characteristics and switching dynamics that align well with simulations. Above the threshold, we observe an emergent spatial clustering, with particles transitioning from passive to active states in close proximity. These findings provide insights into the collective dynamics of cyclic processes between active and passive states across distinct spatial zones in active matter systems.