Expanding Active Matter to the Third Dimension: Exploring Short and Long-Range Particle-Wall Interactions

Most active colloid experiments are quasi-2D. Here a 3D density-matched solution of active particles propelled and aligned with an AC electric field uniquely facilitates measurement of short and long-range particle-wall interactions. Near-wall mobility is reduced by Stokes drag and local electric-field distortion. Long-range attractions concentrate particles at upper and lower walls at a ratio dependent on particle orientation and rate proportional to speed and confinement. This approach may be extended to other active systems to understand particle-wall interactions and non-equilibrium phenomena.