Local Field Controlled Switching in a One-Dimensional Dipolar Array

We use computational Langevin dynamics simulations to show that the orientation of the dipolar rotors in a one-dimensional chain can be controlled using a local field. Flipping the direction of the field initiates a process in which each of the chain dipoles may switch its orientation. We define the conditions for which the dipole chain remains in one of its two stable orientations. We observe the switching mechanism between these two stable orientations using a local electric field generated by a fixed control dipole, and the effectiveness of the switching process as a function of temperature, rotational friction coefficient, length of the array, and magnitude of the control dipole. We show two examples of curved chains where this process is possible as well. We model molecular dipolar rotors as point dipoles and show that we can transfer a signal along a one-dimensional chain. The propagated signal is not a photon, phonon, or charge, but is rather mechanical. One could argue that this is the smallest array of mechanical gears.