Dynamic mode locking in a driven colloidal system: experiments and theory. (12th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Juniper, Michael P N; Zimmermann, Urs; Straube, Arthur V; Besseling, Rut; Aarts, Dirk G A L; Löwen, Hartmut; Dullens, Roel P A
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 19:Number 1(2017:Jan.)
• Publication Date: 2017-01-12
• Subjects: dynamic mode locking -- colloids -- optical potential energy landscape -- optical trapping -- nonlinear dynamics; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/aa53cd
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: In this article we examine the dynamics of a colloidal particle driven by a modulated force over a sinusoidal optical potential energy landscape. Coupling between the competing frequencies of the modulated drive and that of particle motion over the periodic landscape leads to synchronisation of particle motion into discrete modes. This synchronisation manifests as steps in the average particle velocity, with mode locked steps covering a range of average driving velocities. The amplitude and frequency dependence of the steps are considered, and compared to results from analytic theory, Langevin dynamics simulations, and dynamic density functional theory. Furthermore, the critical driving velocity is studied, and simulation used to extend the range of conditions accessible in experiments alone. Finally, state diagrams from experiment, simulation, and theory are used to show the extent of the dynamically locked modes in two dimensions, as a function of both the amplitude and frequency of the modulated drive.