Self-Sustained Density Oscillations of Swimming Bacteria Confined in Microchambers

We numerically study the dynamics of run-and-tumble particles confined in two chambers connected by thin channels. Two dominant dynamical behaviors emerge: (i) an oscillatory pumping state, in which particles periodically fill the two vessels, and (ii) a circulating flow state, dynamically maintaining a near constant population level in the containers when connected by two channels. We demonstrate that the oscillatory behavior arises from the combination of a narrow channel, preventing bacteria reorientation, and a density-dependent motility inside the chambers.