Abstract

Colloids a Model System to Explore Complex Matter with Competing Interactions

There are a wide variety of applications for colloidal particle assemblies including the creation of synthetic photonic band gap materials, sensor arrays, and self-assembled templates for the mass fabrication of nanostructures.  In addition to these practical applications, colloids are also ideal for studying the complex behavior arising in systems with competing interactions.  I will show that such competing interactions can give rise to novel self-organized stripe, labyrinth, and network structures which may be relevant to charge ordering in cuprates and manganites.  I will also demonstrate that colloids can be used to create artificial nuclei systems, including a colloidal version of the so-called pasta phases that may exist in dense nuclear matter. When the colloids are exposed to a periodic optical trap array, numerous statistical mechanics models can be readily created including Ising, Potts, and artificial spin ice systems, as well as new phases.

Please come meet the speaker over refreshments from 3:45-4:10pm in the foyer on floor G above the lecture hall. All Welcome Host: Doerte Blume