Colloidal Dynamics on a Choreographic Time Crystal

Abstract

A choreographic time crystal is a dynamic lattice structure in which the points comprising the lattice move in a coordinated fashion. These structures were initially proposed for understanding the motion of synchronized satellite swarms. Using simulations we examine colloids interacting with a choreographic crystal consisting of traps that could be created optically. As a function of the trap strength, speed, and colloidal filling fraction, we identify a series of phases including states where the colloids organize into a dynamic chiral loop lattice as well as a frustrated induced liquid state and a choreographic lattice state. We show that transitions between these states can be understood in terms of vertex frustration effects that occur during a certain portion of the choreographic cycle. Our results can be generalized to a broader class of systems of particles coupled to choreographic structures, such as vortices, ions, cold atoms, and soft matter systems.