GRK 1558: Nonequilibrium Collective Dynamics in Condensed Matter and Biological Systems

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The nonequilibrium transport of interacting electrons through an ensemble of semiconductor quantum dots reveals quantum correlations between these electrons. Nanorods suspended in an aqueous solvent and driven by an imposed shear flow display complex motional patterns including chaotic features. Neurons that interact via action-potential pulses travelling along axons give rise to nonlinear excitation waves. These are three examples of systems we will study within the Research Training Group. To cover the topic in its breadth, we set up a research programme with three focussed project areas for different material systems. Within hard condensed matter, we concentrate on nonlinear transport and quantum optics in semiconductor nanostructures. In soft matter systems, we investigate the collective dynamics of dispersed colloidal particles and their hydrodynamic interactions in aqueous solvents. Finally, selforganisation and nonlinear waves in active biological media, such as biofilms, neural systems and the heart, are studied. The Research Training Group is an interdisciplinary initiative in the sense that it aims to unravel common features and methods in the description of the nonequilibrium collective dynamics of interacting entities. Thereby, novel views on the respective research fields from physics and biology are expected to emerge. The research programme is a combination of theoretical projects, with strong links to experiments and the participation of two experimental groups. Although the research programme concentrates on basic research, it is also motivated by potential applications, e.g., in novel photonic and microfluidic devices and in medicine. The interdisciplinary approach of the Research Training Group is ideal for a broad and in-depth education that will enhance the students chances in the job market in industry and for postdoctoral positions. We therefore set up a study programme and qualification concept that supports the students interdisciplinary training. In particular, we invite seminar speakers from applied research and industry who report on applications that are connected to the research programme of the Research Training Group. Success in the students studies will be actively monitored by the concerted action of two to three supervisors of their PhD theses.