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The main
research topic of the Institute is the theory of "complex fluids"
and "soft matter" systems. Soft matter physics is an interdisciplinary
research area encompasing statistical physics, material science, chemistry,
and biology. The systems are characterized by
- Supramolecular
structure and self-assembly
- Typical
length scales ranging from nano- to micro-meters
- Typical
energy scales comparable to the thermal energy kBT
Classical examples
of complex fluids are
- Polymer
solutions, mixtures, and melts
- Mixtures
of block copolymers and homopolymers
- Lyotropic
liquid crystals
- Amphiphilic
systems, i.e. mixtures of oil, water and amphiphiles
- Colloidal
suspensions
While these
areas remain active fields of research, the focus has recently shifted
to more complex systems which are obtained by combining two or more of
the components listed above. A few examples are
- Colloidal
particles in polymer solutions
- Mixtures
of surfactants and amphiphilic block-copolymers
- Mixtures
of several surfactants or lipids
- Colloids
in liquid crystals
This brings
the systems which are studied in physics closer to applications in material
science or biology.
Since the structures in soft matter systems often contain a large numer
of molecules, mesoscale modelling is typically required to bridge
the length- and time-scale gap between the microscopic domain -- of atoms
and their interactions -- and the emerging properties of supramolecular
assemblies on meso- or macroscopic scales. Microscopic models are employed
to study properties of complex systems on the molecular scale, and to
provide a link of mesoscale models to molecular architecture.
A large variety
of methods is used to study soft matter systems. In fact, a combination
of analytical and numerical methods is often needed to successfully characterize
these complex systems. In particular, simulation methods (Monte Carlo, molecular
dynamics), computational hydrodynamics, field theory, perturbation theory,
and exact solutions are employed in our institute.
A characteristic feature of soft-matter research is the fruitful interaction
between theory and experiment. With a third of the IFF institutes,
and Theory
II now focusing on soft matter research, many of the essential aspects of
these systems are investigated here.
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Materie
wwwiff@fz-juelich.de
Institute
for Neutron Scattering (Richter)