Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking for Driven Interacting Particles on Triangular Substrates

Abstract

For collectively interacting repulsive particles driven on triangular substrates, we show that for certain directions of drive a spontaneous symmetry breaking phenomena occurs where the particles can flow in one of two directions that are not aligned with the external drive, giving rise to a positive or negative Hall current. Along these directions, the particle flow is highly ordered, while in the direction of the drive the flow is disordered. We also find a number of dynamical phase transitions and unusual hysteretic properties that arise due to the symmetry breaking properties of the flows.