Applied Math Seminar Announcement

The physics of matter between the sizes of microscopic particles and macromolecules is an endeavor in many branches of science. For example, biological science is studying protein structures and dynamics, and atmospheric science is concerned with aerosol in the size range 10 nm to10 microns. The physics of sub-micron matter focuses on the properties and dynamics of the individual structures, and not the average properties of an ensemble.   This focus is necessitated because the functionality derives from the dynamics of the individual structures.  Studying mesoscale structures is beyond the capabilities of many traditional techniques such as optical microscopy.  However, optical scattering techniques can manipulate and investigate the properties of individual mesoscale particles.  We, Dr. Struthers and myself, use lasers to manipulate and isolate single particles in the mesocale, and the scattered light from the particle to study its physical properties and dynamical processes.    This seminar will introduce our experimental techniques and our analysis.