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Conservation Laws and Slow Dynamics Determine the Universality Class of Interfaces in Active Matter
Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 148301 – Published 6 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/b7s9-4l4q
Abstract
While equilibrium interfaces display universal large-scale statistics, interfaces in phase-separated active and driven systems are predicted to belong to distinct nonequilibrium universality classes. Yet, such behavior has proven difficult to observe, with most systems exhibiting equilibriumlike fluctuations despite their strongly nonequilibrium microscopic dynamics. We introduce a hard-disk model driven by active collisions, conceived as an effective two-dimensional description of a vibrofluidized granular system that, contrary to self-propelled models, displays clear nonequilibrium interfacial scaling. We observe for the first time, the and wet- universality classes while revealing a new, previously overlooked universality class arising in systems with slow solidlike or glassy dynamics. Conservation laws and slow dynamics select these distinct classes.