Abstract
Active Janus particles suspended in a plasma were studied experimentally. The Janus particles were micron-size plastic microspheres, one half of which was coated with a thin layer of platinum. They were suspended in the plasma sheath of a radio-frequency discharge in argon at low pressure. The Janus particles moved in characteristic looped trajectories suggesting a combination of spinning and circling motion; their interactions led to the emergence of rich dynamics characterized by non-Maxwellian velocity distribution. The particle propulsion mechanism is discussed, the main force driving the particle motion is identified as photophoretic force.
Highlights
Active matter is a collection of active particles, each of which can convert the energy coming from their environment into directed motion, driving the whole system far from equilibrium [1,2]
We experimentally study Janus particles—polymer microspheres half-coated with a thin layer of platinum—suspended in a gas discharge plasma
A 2D layer of 9.19-μm Janus particles was suspended in argon plasma at the low pressure of pAr = 0.66 Pa and discharge power of Prf = 20 W
Summary
Active matter is a collection of active particles, each of which can convert the energy coming from their environment into directed motion, driving the whole system far from equilibrium [1,2]. Complex plasmas are excellent model systems which are used to study various plasma-specific and generic phenomena at the level of individual particles. Their advantages include the possibility of directly observing virtually undamped dynamics of the particles suspended in a rarefied gas, in real time and with relative ease. We experimentally study Janus particles—polymer microspheres half-coated with a thin layer of platinum—suspended in a gas discharge plasma. We show that they become active in this environment and discuss the mechanism involved
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
