A microgel self-oscillator (A07)

• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191948804

This project aims to investigate a self-oscillating microgel system that is driven by continuous-wave laser light. The system consists of a thin ribbon-shaped bilayer with integrated gold nanorods and performs an oscillatory shape motion with chaotic signatures when irradiated with light. The planned work will focus on the quantitative analysis of the microgel self-oscillations through optical measurements and theoretical simulations, and endeavor to enhance the regularity of the self-oscillations for their potential use in engines.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 985: Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Dr. Ahmed Mourran, until 6/2020; Professor Dr. Gero von Plessen