Atomic Force Microscope for Soft Condensed Matter Laboratory

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The main focus of our research group is soft-materials at surfaces and interfaces. The physics of soft materials is distinct from hard matter as the weaker intermolecular bonds result in a large response to external stresses. We study mainly polymeric materials, but also DNA molecules, living cells, and C. elegans (a small worm). Understanding material properties at a fundamental level, is crucial to the development of new technologies. A surprising aspect of these materials is that on small lengthscales, like in thin films or coatings, these materials can have properties that differ vastly from those of bulk systems. The difference can be the result of molecules being confined or because the interface plays a greater role the smaller the system studied. Our efforts can be summarised under four broad and overlapping areas: 1) Bio-physics: micromechanics of living cells, lipid vesicles and C. elegans; 2) Polymer crystallisation: nucleation and growth; 3) Self-assembly, pattern formation & patterning; and 4) Polymers in confinement and at surfaces and interfaces.