Kinetics of vapor-liquid transition of active matter system under quasi one-dimensional confinement

Abstract: We study the kinetics of vapor-liquid phase separation in a quasi one-dimensional confined active matter system using molecular dynamics simulations. Activity is invoked via the Vicsek rule, while passive interaction follows the Lennard-Jones potential. With the system density near the vapor branch, the evolution morphology features disconnected liquid clusters. In the passive limit, coarsening begins with nucleation, followed by an evaporation-condensation growth mechanism, leading to a metastable state without complete phase separation. We aim to understand the impact of Vicsek-like self-propulsion on the structure and growth of these clusters. Our key finding is that Vicsek activity results in a distinct growth mechanism, notably rapid cluster growth and the breakdown of the metastable state through ballistic aggregation. Relevant growth laws are analyzed and explained using appropriate theoretical models.