Student visitors

Probing fluctuation-induced forces in non-equilibrium fluids

Casimir forces emerge when fluctuating fields are confined, as seen between uncharged, conducting plates in a vacuum or in fluids near a critical point. Out-of-equilibrium fluids exhibit even stronger fluctuations, which theory predicts should generate remarkably large Casimir-like forces in confined spaces. However, measuring these forces experimentally remains a challenge. In this project, we aim to overcome this barrier by using advanced optical techniques to track the interactions of colloidal particles suspended in a complex medium with giant fluctuations driven by diffusion or thermophoresis. Our goal is to provide the first direct experimental evidence of non-equilibrium Casimir-like forces - offering exciting new insights into fluctuation-induced interactions in soft matter physics.

AI-Enhanced Differential Dynamic Microscopy for Probing Complex Soft Matter Dynamics

Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) combines real-space imaging and light scattering to quantify microscopic dynamics in soft and biological materials. While DDM has become a powerful and widely adopted technique, new challenges arise when imaging complex systems where scattering becomes multiple or dynamics are heterogeneous. In this project, students will contribute to extending DDM by implementing and benchmarking AI-based pipelines for automated data analysis and feature extraction. The project combines hands-on experience in optical microscopy with data analysis and offers immersion in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment at the interface between physics, materials science, and machine learning.