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Symmetry breaking-induced N-body electrodynamic forces in optical matter systems

Author

Listed:
  • John Parker

    (The University of Chicago
    The University of Chicago)

  • Spoorthi Nagasamudram

    (The University of Chicago
    The University of Chicago)

  • Curtis Peterson

    (The University of Chicago
    The University of Chicago)

  • Yanzeng Li

    (The University of Chicago
    Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)

  • Sina Soleimanikahnoj

    (The University of Chicago)

  • Stuart A. Rice

    (The University of Chicago
    The University of Chicago)

  • Norbert F. Scherer

    (The University of Chicago
    The University of Chicago)

Abstract

Breaking symmetry can give rise to non-reciprocal forces–unequal and opposite forces–typically observed in active matter systems involving asymmetric 2-body interactions. So far, there are few examples of N-body non-reciprocal forces induced by symmetry breaking. Here we show, through experiment, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis, that N-body non-reciprocal forces emerge in optical matter systems comprised of three or more electrodynamically interacting (nano)particles when spatial symmetries are broken. The requisite symmetry breaking is realized in experiment by trapping Ag nanoparticles in a curved geometry using an optical ring trap. The ordered ring of nanoparticles is observed to rotate collectively in a direction governed by the handedness of the trapping beam’s circular polarization. This force, distinct from spin-to-orbit angular momentum conversion, depends strongly on particle number and inter-particle separations. These N-body non-reciprocal interactions induced by symmetry breaking are general and should arise in other “coherently illuminated” active matter systems.

Suggested Citation

  • John Parker & Spoorthi Nagasamudram & Curtis Peterson & Yanzeng Li & Sina Soleimanikahnoj & Stuart A. Rice & Norbert F. Scherer, 2025. "Symmetry breaking-induced N-body electrodynamic forces in optical matter systems," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61616-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61616-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martin Brandenbourger & Xander Locsin & Edan Lerner & Corentin Coulais, 2019. "Non-reciprocal robotic metamaterials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Michel Fruchart & Ryo Hanai & Peter B. Littlewood & Vincenzo Vitelli, 2021. "Non-reciprocal phase transitions," Nature, Nature, vol. 592(7854), pages 363-369, April.
    3. Zijie Yan & Stephen K. Gray & Norbert F. Scherer, 2014. "Potential energy surfaces and reaction pathways for light-mediated self-organization of metal nanoparticle clusters," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, September.
    4. Debarghya Banerjee & Anton Souslov & Alexander G. Abanov & Vincenzo Vitelli, 2017. "Odd viscosity in chiral active fluids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
    5. Sathyanarayana Paladugu & Agnese Callegari & Yazgan Tuna & Lukas Barth & Siegfried Dietrich & Andrea Gambassi & Giovanni Volpe, 2016. "Nonadditivity of critical Casimir forces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, September.
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