Soft matter

Materials Physics in Space

We study how history-dependent properties arise in soft matter far from equilibrium, from microscopic theory to continuum mechanics: how does paint flow? how do residual stresses arise in plastic? how do self-propulsion forces of active matter reshape the dynamics?

Theoretical Soft Matter: active particles, colloids, granules, complex plasmas, polymers

We combine statistical theories, computer simulations and experiments to study the broad material class of colloids, polymers, liquid crystals, complex plasmas and biological systems. Special emphasis is put to active soft matter.

Theoretical Soft Matter: Colloids, metals, metal-organic frameworks, 2d electron gases in heterogeneous media

Our focus is on the rheology of solids, the dynamics of glass-forming systems, phase behavior and dynamics of particles in heterogeneous media and interfaces. The results of particle-based computer simulations are analysed with methods of Statistical Mechanics.

Exp. Soft Matter: non-equilibrium states; normal and anomalous stochastic processes; structure, dynamics, bulk properties

Soft matter, colloids, granules and biomolecules (e.g. proteins, lipids) are investigated by a range of techniques, (e.g. confocal microscopy, scattering, DDM, rheology) and manipulated using, e.g., optical tweezers, extended light fields, shear or (no) gravity.

Experimental Colloidal Physics: active colloids, colloidal monolayers, colloid-laden interfaces, colloidal crystals and glasses, optical tweezers, 2D rheology, microrheology

Our research focuses on suspensions of colloidal particles. We characterise their structural, dynamical, and mechanical properties by looking at the motion of the microparticles. We are particularly interested in self-propelling colloidal matter.