Unveiling the Magnetic Forces and Torques Guiding Active Particle Dynamics with Quincke Rollers

Researchers at Aalto University School of Science have developed magnetic Quincke rollers by doping silica particles with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. These magnetic rollers can be controlled and regulated using external magnetic forces and torques, allowing for tunable interparticle interactions and programmable behaviors. The researchers demonstrated the formation of active chains, complex trajectories, and even teleoperated single-particle dynamics. This development opens up possibilities for applications in areas such as electro-hydrodynamics, colloidal self-assembly, and microrobotics.