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The LIS2T group specializes in the study of micro- and nanoscale transport in liquid films and interfaces of relevance to particular physical, biological and lithographic flows. Fluidic systems which manifest exceedingly large surface to volume ratios are highly responsive to interfacial forces. Both normal and tangential interfacial forces can be used to enhance, retard or structure the flow of mass, momentum and energy within small scale deformable systems. This susceptibility allows for sophisticated methods of spatial and temporal modulation either for probing phenomena at small length scales or for the development of miniature devices and sensors. Areas of interest to our group include confinement effects, instabilities and phase transitions in nanoscale films which derive from field gradients in electrical, thermal, disjoining, concentration or magnetic forces; development of micro/bio/optofluidic devices based on electrical, thermal or surface acoustic waves; lithographic patterning of optical devices by surface gradient forces; development of thin film evanescent waveguides for sensing and trapping; non-normality and transient growth of interfacial instabilities; transport in cells and vesicles triggered by capillary or Marangoni forces; behavior of nanoscale liquid films near patterned boundaries; fundamental analysis of molecular layering and friction at liquid/solid interfaces. To better understand these and related phenomena, which typically span multiple length scales, we combine full scale experimentation with theoretical analysis, numerical computation and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We typically have several openings per year for graduate students interested either in experimental or theoretical work. Please contact stroian@caltech for information about GRA positions; additional information about our group can be found on our web site at www.troian.caltech.edu |
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