Our Projects
Molecular Biophysics: Nanopore DNA Sequencing
In this project, we seek to understand the mechanisms of electric-field driven transport of biomolecules through a nanopore, and develop solid-state and soft nanopores for single-molecule biology and physics experiments.
Investigators: Venkat Balagurusamy, Shanshan Wu, Sungcheol Kim, Paul Weinger, Sean Ling
Vortex Matter: Bragg Glass and Peak Effect
In this project, we seek to resolve a long-standing issue in type-II superconductivity regarding the existence and nature of order-disorder phase transition in vortex matter using neutron scattering and other techniques.
Investigators: Helen Hanson, Xi Wang, Sean Ling
Colloidal Crystals: defects in 2D colloidal crystals and 2D melting
In contrast to atomic solids, the colloidal crystals permit direct real-time imaging of the interacting particles, opening new opportunities for a real-time study of lattice defects such as vacancies and dislocations which are elusive in most scattering experiments. To realize the great potential of the colloidal crystals for basic studies, it is of interest to develop reliable techniques for manipulating defects in colloidal crystals. Recently we have demonstrated the feasibility of using optical tweezers to manipulate (create and remove) vacancies and interstials in two-dimensional colloidal crystals. Our current interest is to perform controlled experiment to study the dynamics of defects and defect-driven phase transitions.
Investigators: Sean Ling