title: Realization of the Najafi-Golestanian microswimmer.
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.
authors.affiliation: GRASP Lab, CESAM Research Unit, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
authors.forename: Galien
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grosjean
authors.affiliation: GRASP Lab, CESAM Research Unit, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
authors.forename: Maxime
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hubert
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Fìsica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lagubeau
authors.affiliation: GRASP Lab, CESAM Research Unit, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vandewalle