Geometry-induced rectification for an active object

Abstract

Study on a rectified current induced by active particles has received a great attention due to its possible application to a microscopic motor in biological environments. Insertion of an {\em asymmetric} passive object amid many active particles has been regarded as an essential ingredient for generating such a rectified motion. Here, we report that the reverse situation is also possible, where the motion of an active object can be rectified by its geometric asymmetry amid many passive particles. This may describe an unidirectional motion of polar biological agents with asymmetric shape. We also find a weak but less diffusive rectified motion in a {\em passive} mode without energy pump-in. This "moving by dissipation" mechanism could be used as a design principle for developing more reliable microscopic motors.