Measurement-induced phase transitions in informational active matter

Various biological and synthetic media out of equilibrium can be viewed as many-ratchet systems that rectify environmental noise through local measurements and information processing, like Maxwell's prototypical demon. These systems pose a challenge to standard coarse-graining approaches because they are described in terms of decision-making protocols similar to computer programs rather than force laws. Here, we study a many-body generalization of the Maxwell demon problem: a fluid composed of adaptive particles that achieve collective behavior by biasing noise-driven scattering events subject to measurements. Using a combination of information-theoretic, kinetic, and hydrodynamic tools, we elucidate how…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: DMR-2118415
• MR
  Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University
• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Award: 2011864
• AR
  Army Research Office

  Awards: W911NF-23-1-0212, W911NF-22-2-0109