Transport reversals of chiral active particles induced by a perpendicular constant force

Transport of chiral active particles in a symmetric periodic potential is investigated in the presence of a constant force. It is found that due to chirality of active particles the transversal constant force can break the symmetry of the system and induce a longitudinal net current. There exists an optimal constant force at which the rectification is maximal. Remarkably, longitudinal current reversals can occur by suitably tailoring the transversal constant force. Therefore, particles with different chiralities move to different directions and can be effectively separated. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.