Plasmon-assisted optofluidics

In this project we develop and improve on an imaging platform designed to map, precisely control, and rapidly tune the temperature and optical landscapes; and with it the motion of fluids and matter at the nano- to microscopic length-scales.

Thanks to integration with microfluidics, we aim to study far from thermal equilibrium dynamics, and to develop smart nano- and microdevices where light is used to control the motion in liquid environments across multiple length- and time- scales.

Motivation

The interactions between an object and its surroundings determine the type of motion it undergoes. In the simplest of cases, in the absence of external forces and for a system consisting of particles within a fluid at equilibrium, the motion of the particles can be described solely by Brownian dynamics. Nevertheless, most phenomena in nature occur far from equilibrium, evolve with time and are complex. Moreover, these processes are characterised by the presence of external forces, local heterogeneity and boundary effects. As a result, the nature of the underlying particle and fluid dynamics are intrinsically challenging to explore, understand and ultimately harness into key enabling technologies. Addressing this knowledge gap is paramount and requires a platform that can precisely apply short- and long-range forces locally and accurately monitor their effect on the system.

Research focus

  • Understanding and mapping the effects local thermal gradients have on the surrounding environment.
  • Precisely controlling liquid and particle dynamics at multiple length-scales using local thermal and electrical perturbations.
  • Developing new integrated microfluidic functionalities.
  • Manipulating the thermal landscape to study out of equilibrium phenomena.

Project members

Selected publications

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