Emergence of dynamic vortex glasses in disordered polar active fluids

In equilibrium, disorder conspires with topological defects to redefine the ordered states of matter in systems as diverse crystals, superconductors and liquid crystals. Far from however, consequences quenched on active condensed remain virtually uncharted. Here, we reveal a state strongly disordered no counterparts equilibrium: dynamical vortex glass. Combining high-content microfluidic experiments theory, show how colloidal flocks collectively cruise through without relaxing singularities their flows. The resulting is highly but flow patterns, shaped by finite density frozen vortices, are stationary exponentially degenerated. Quenched isotropic acts random gauge field turning liquids into glasses. We argue that this robust mechanism should shape collective dynamics broad class matter, synthetic nematics collections living cells exploring heterogeneous media.