Active Nematics Are Intrinsically Phase Separated

Mishra, Shradha and Ramaswamy, Sriram (2006) Active Nematics Are Intrinsically Phase Separated. In: Physical Review Letters, 97 (9). 090602-090604.

PDF 7.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (426kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Two-dimensional nonequilibrium nematic steady states, as found in agitated granular-rod monolayers or films of orientable amoeboid cells, were predicted [Europhys. Lett. 62, 196 (2003)] to have giant number fluctuations, with the standard deviation proportional to the mean. We show numerically that the steady state of such systems is macroscopically phase separated, yet dominated by fluctuations, as in the Das-Barma model [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 1602 (2000)]. We suggest experimental tests of our findings in granular and living-cell systems.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Physical Review Letters
Publisher:	American Physical Society
Additional Information:	Coppyright of this article belongs to American Physical Society.
Keywords:	Physics,Multidisciplinary;Granular Media;Ameboid Cells; Particles;Flocks;State;Order
Department/Centre:	Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Physics
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2010 10:55
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:53
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/16716

Actions (login required)

View Item