Realization of the Najafi-Golestanian microswimmer

Phys Rev E. 2016 Aug;94(2-1):021101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.94.021101. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Abstract

A paradigmatic microswimmer is the three-linked-spheres model, which follows a minimalist approach for propulsion by shape shifting. As such, it has been the subject of numerous analytical and numerical studies. In this Rapid Communication, an experimental three-linked-spheres swimmer is created by self-assembling ferromagnetic particles at an air-water interface. It is powered by a uniform oscillating magnetic field. A model, using two harmonic oscillators, reproduces the experimental findings. Because the model remains general, the same approach could be used to design a variety of efficient microswimmers.