Interaction-induced directional transport on periodically driven chains

Abstract: We study a driven system in which interaction between particles causes their directional, coupled movement. In that model system, two particles move alternatingly in time on two coupled chains. Without interaction, both particles diffuse along their respective chains, independent from one another. Interaction between them, no matter if attractive or repellent, leads to an energetic separation of configurations where the particles are close to each other and those where they are farther separated. The energy difference causes close-by particles to remain bound together, forming a doublon. Their relative position in the starting configuration determines whether the doublon moves to the left or right or remains stationary due to the periodic driving.