Emergent Phenomena in Collection of Autonomous Spinning Microgears Guided by Light
Abstract
Gears and cogwheels are fundamental components of macroscopic machines to channel power into desired motion. Their self-assembly and control is a key challenge along the path to feasible micromachines. In contrast to macroscopic devices, spinning micromotors operate in the presence of thermal fluctuations, which call for new design principles. We demonstrated the assembly of autonomous and light-controlled microgears. We use this unique and versatile building block as the cornerstone to explore the guiding principles for assembly of spinning objects. Unlike equilibrium phases of matter, which stem from the balance between entropy and internal energy, the organization of self-spinning motors states arise from the competition between active torques and interactions. We investigate the relationship between structure and synchronization of untethered active spinners or as building blocks of geared metamaterials. This proposal paves the way for the design of functional materials which macroscopic functionalities are encoded in microscopic building block, with a versatility and resilience formerly limited to the biological realm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010112
Entities
People
- Jérémie Palacci
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego