Non-equilibrium dynamics of magnetically anisotropic particles under oscillating fields

In this article, we demonstrate how colloidal self-assembly and non-equilibrium dynamic processes can be enhanced by anisotropic particles. As an example, we study spherical particles with radially off-centered net magnetic moment in an oscillating field. Based on complementary data from a numerical simulation of spheres with shifted dipole and experimental observations from particles with hemispherical ferromagnetic coating, it is explained how this magnetic asymmetry gives rise to dynamic structural and orientational phenomena on a two-particle basis. We further present the behavior of ensembles of coated particles. It illustrates the potential for controlled reconfiguration based on the presented two-particle dynamics.