Abstract
We propose a simple microscopic model for active nematic particles similar in spirit to the Vicsek model for self-propelled polar particles. In two dimensions, we show that this model exhibits a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like transition to quasi-long-range orientational order and that in this nonequilibrium context, the ordered phase is characterized by giant density fluctuations, in agreement with the predictions of Ramaswamy et al. [Europhys. Lett. 62, 196 (2003)].
- Received 2 March 2006
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.180602
©2006 American Physical Society