Colloids in two-dimensional active nematics: conformal cogs and controllable spontaneous rotation

Abstract

A major challenge in the study of active systems is to harness their non-equilibrium dynamics into useful work. We address this by showing how to design colloids with controllable spontaneous propulsion or rotation when immersed in active nematics. This is illustrated for discs with tilted anchoring and chiral cogs, for which we determine the nematic director through conformal mappings. Our analysis identifies two regimes of behaviour for chiral cogs: orientation-dependent handedness and persistent active rotation. Finally, we provide design principles for active nematic colloids to achieve desired rotational dynamics.