Finite-size scaling and double-crossover critical behavior in two-dimensional incompressible polar active fluids

Abstract: We study the order-disorder transition in two-dimensional incompressible systems of motile particles with alignment interactions through extensive numerical simulations of the incompressible Toner-Tu (ITT) field theory and a detailed finite-size scaling (FSS) analysis. The transition looks continuous in the explored parameter space, but the effective susceptibility exponent $\gamma/\nu$ and the dynamic exponent $z$ exhibit a strong, non-monotonic variation on the system size in the form of double crossovers. At small sizes, mean-field exponents are observed for the homogeneous $k=0$ mode whereas spatial fluctuations follow Gaussian statistics. A first crossover marks the departure from this regime to one where the system behaves like the equilibrium XY model with long-ranged dipolar interaction and vortex excitations. At larger sizes, scaling deviates from the dipolar XY behavior and a second crossover is observed, to presumably the asymptotic ITT universality class. At this crossover to genuinely off-equilibrium behavior, advection comes in to expedite transport of fluctuations, suppress large-scale fluctuations and help stabilize long-range order. We obtain estimates and bounds of the universal Binder cumulant and exponents of the ITT class. We propose a reduced hydrodynamic theory, previously overlooked, that quantitatively describes the first scaling regime. By providing a relatively comprehensive numerical picture and a novel analytical description, our results help elucidate finite-size effects in critical active matter systems, which have been argued to be relevant for understanding scale-free behavior in real flocks or swarms.