Project Details
Projekt
Towards intelligent light-propelled nano- and microsystems (B01)
Subject Area
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433682494
Artificially propelled colloidal particles constitute biomimetic analogues to natural microswimmers and represent ideal building blocks or agents for responsive and adaptive soft matter. In a common theoretical and experimental project, we develop an advantageous novel class of such particles that are light-actuated based on symmetry-broken refraction. We will investigate individual particles and suspensions, where self-assembled adaptive networks and light-responsive swarms are expected, as novel types of nonlinear optical materials. Increasing the complexity by incorporating structured light, light-responsive shape-changing materials, delay, and memory, we will answer the question how swarm intelligence emerges. Thus, our project paves the way towards intelligent light-propelled nano- and microsystems.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Universität Münster
Project Heads
Professorin Dr. Cornelia Denz; Professor Dr. Raphael Wittkowski
