Dynamic, self-assembled aggregates of magnetized, millimeter-sized objects rotating at the liquid-air interface: Macroscopic, two-dimensional classical artificial atoms and molecules

This paper describes self-assembly of millimeter-sized, magnetized disks floating on a liquid-air interface, and rotating under the influence of a rotating external magnetic field. Spinning of the disks results in hydrodynamic repulsion between them, while the rotating magnetic field produces an average confining potential acting on all disks. The interplay between hydrodynamic and magnetic interactions leads to the formation of patterns. Theoretical analysis of hydrodynamic and magnetic forces indicates that the interactions in this system are similar to those acting in systems of finite numbers of particles behaving classically (“classical artificial atoms”). Macroscopic artificial atoms and molecules are described, and the rules governing their morphologies outlined.