Sorting of chiral active particles driven by rotary obstacles

Sorting of microswimmers based on their mobility properties is of utmost importance for various branches of science and engineering. In this paper, we proposed a novel sorting method, where the mixed chiral particles can be separated by applying two opposite rotary obstacles. It is found that when the angular speed of the obstacles, the angular speed of active particles, and the self-propulsion speed satisfy a certain relation, the mixed particles can be completely separated and the capture efficiency takes its maximal value. Our results may have application in capture or sorting of chiral active particles, or even measuring the chirality of active particles. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.