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GRK 1558:  Nonequilibrium Collective Dynamics in Condensed Matter and Biological Systems

Subject Area Condensed Matter Physics
Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Term from 2009 to 2018
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 87159868
 
Final Report Year 2018

Final Report Abstract

Nonequilibrium collective dynamics is ubiquitous in science, nature, and even daily life as the Mexican wave in a stadium or the rhythmic applause in a concert demonstrate. The Research Training Group studied collective dynamics of interacting entities in the microscopic world, where they are subject to noise and where they constantly dissipate energy into their environment. For this reason we assembled researchers working in three focused research areas on hard/ soft condensed matter and on biological systems, in order to explore the topic in its breadth. In addition, by identifying common methods and similarities in the governing dynamic equations on different length scales, we were able to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of nonequilibrium collective phenomena in different system classes and to generate new research, which would have not been possible without the structure of the RTG. In the first project area we addressed non-linear transport and quantum optics in semiconductor nanostructures. We concentrated on the non-linear dynamics of quantumdot lasers, light-matter interaction in different types of dissipative quantum systems, as well as on quantum criticality and coupled quantum systems including networks. Colloidal quantum dots and a systematic bifurcation analysis gave important links to the other project areas. Second, soft-matter systems driven into nonequilibrium by external fields show nontrivial response and structure formation. In the RTG we worked on (active) colloidal dispersions under magnetic fields and flow, protein machines at fluid interfaces (or biomembranes), and the viscoelastic response of polymer networks. The analysis of the pulsating flow of a dense colloidal dispersion in a microchannel or the weak non-linear analysis of pattern formation in active matter flow was strongly stimulated by the the environment of the RTG. Third, active media, cell motility, and nonlinear waves were studied with special emphasis on their chemical regulation. In particular, we addressed bacterial systems, protoplasmic droplets, and flat membrane protrusions. Again, pattern formation in the collective motion of bacteria, on excitable networks, and in the cytoplasm of protoplasmic droplets was a unifying theme for the biological systems and provided connections to the other project areas. Finally, right from the start the RTG identified active motion as a dynamic and growing research field in the international community and contributed with own work to its development. Our qualification program aimed at educating the Ph.D. students to become independent researchers or professionals that compete on an international stage at the highest level either in academia or in industry. Besides regular lecture courses, the program had a strong international component. It promoted the presentation and rhetorical skills of our students through active participation in conferences and seminars and by a lively guest program. Highlights were our international conferences on Nonequilibrium collective dynamics in condensed matter and biological systems, which were well regarded in the international community. All these measure ideally prepared our students for the academic or industrial job market.

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