Statics and Dynamics of 1D and 2D Colloidal Lattices with Random Pinning

技术摘要：所提出的程序是使用模型胶体系统对随机钉扎问题的基础研究。在这个项目中，PI建议应用著名的第二类超导中Campbell穿透深度的概念来建立胶体物理中的一个新的实验范式，称为“应力屏蔽”，来研究随机钉扎问题。提出的实验包括测量一维胶体链和二维胶体晶格中的坎贝尔长度。这些实验将为布拉格玻璃理论模型中提出的随机流形物理的实验探索铺平道路。该程序的结果将对随机钉扎问题和物质布拉格玻璃的新状态提供新的认识，从而对超导、凝聚态物理、表面科学和固态力学具有重要意义。该项目将为研究生和本科生提供纳米制造、视频显微镜和新型光学技术方面的高级培训。这些技能将为学生未来在基于纳米技术的软物质物理、生物物理学和材料科学等新兴领域的职业生涯做好准备。非技术摘要：所提出的程序是使用胶体粒子作为模型系统的凝聚态物理中随机钉扎问题的基础研究。随机钉扎问题与许多凝聚态系统有关。例如，在超导中，超导电缆如何携带电流而不耗散，取决于磁通线如何被原子杂质钉扎；在纳米生物技术中，DNA如何通过纳米孔驱动，这对DNA测序技术很重要，与DNA分子上的电荷如何与纳米孔的粗糙带电表面相互作用有关。胶体系统具有独特的优势，可以使用光学显微镜实时观察每个粒子，并可以使用数字视频显微镜研究它们的动力学，从而提供对相互作用、热涨落和随机无序之间复杂相互作用的无与伦比的洞察。该项目将为研究生和本科生提供纳米制造、视频显微镜和新型光学技术方面的高级培训。这些技能将为学生未来在基于纳米技术的软物质物理、生物物理学和材料科学等新兴领域的职业生涯做好准备。

Technical Abstract: The proposed program is a fundamental study of the random pinning problem using model colloidal systems. In this program, the PI proposes to apply the well-known concept of Campbell penetration depth in type-II superconductivity to establish a new experimental paradigm in colloid physics, called "stress screening", in studying the random pinning problem. The proposed experiments include measurements of Campbell length in a model 1D colloidal chains and 2D colloidal lattices. The experiments will pave the way for the experimental exploration of the physics of random-manifold regime proposed in the theoretical models of Bragg glass. The results of this program will shed new light to the random pinning problem and the new state of matter Bragg glass, thus will be of fundamental importance for superconductivity, condensed matter physics, surface science, and solid-state mechanics. This project will provide advanced training for graduate and undergraduate students in nanofabrication, video microscopy, and novel optical technique. These skills will prepare students for their future careers in the emerging areas of nanotechnology-based soft matter physics, biophysics, and materials sciences. Non-Technical Abstract: The proposed program is a fundamental study of the random pinning problem in condensed matter physics using colloidal particles as a model system. The random pinning problem is related to many condensed matter systems. For example, in superconductivity, how a superconducting cable carrying electric current without dissipation is determined by how the magnetic flux lines are pinned by atomic impurities; in nanobiotechnology, how a DNA is driven through a nanopore, important for a DNA sequencing technology, is related to how the charges on a DNA molecule interact with the rough charged surface of the nanopore. The colloidal matter system has the distinct advantage that each particle can be observed in real time using optical microscope and their dynamics can be studied using digital video microscopy, thereby providing unparallel insight into the intricate interplay between interactions, thermal fluctuations and random disorder. This project will provide advanced training for graduate and undergraduate students in nanofabrication, video microscopy, and novel optical technique. These skills will prepare students for their future careers in the emerging areas of nanotechnology-based soft matter physics, biophysics, and materials sciences.