Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation
  • Editors' Suggestion

Conservation Laws and Slow Dynamics Determine the Universality Class of Interfaces in Active Matter

Raphaël Maire*, Andrea Plati, Frank Smallenburg, and Giuseppe Foffi†

  • *Contact author: raphael.maire@universite-paris-saclay.fr
  • †Contact author: giuseppe.foffi@universite-paris-saclay.fr

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 |q|KPZ and wet-|q|KPZ 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.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Authorization Required

We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

References (Subscription Required)

Outline

Information

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation