CRC 1459 B01 - Towards intelligent light-propelled nano- and microsystems

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted at University of Münster
Duration: 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2024 | 1st Funding period

Description

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.

Keywords: nanoscience; adaptive soft materials