Internship and thesis proposals
Active droplets for cargo transport and micro-engines

Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics

Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique
Description
Emulsions are composed of at least two immiscible liquids, with the droplet interface stabilized by surfactants. In previous work we showed that when the droplet slowly dissolves into the continuous phase, self-sustained motion can occurs. More recently, we also demonstrated that as they shrink over their lifetime, single droplets interact with their own trail in a self-avoiding random walk. Yet, many questions remain: what are the collective behaviors of these active particles? What is the nature of inter-particle interactions? This internship explores active emulsion droplets as model systems of non-equilibrium soft matter. By combining experiments and theory, the project investigates how an active droplet can transport a passive one (cargo mode) or form a micro-rotor. The work involves microscopy, image analysis, and modeling to unravel the underlying dynamics and interactions. Beyond fundamental insight, the study aims to inspire microfluidic machinery and bio-inspired applications such as targeted delivery.

Contact
Adrien Izzet
Laboratory : SayFood - 782
Team : CAliCo
Team Website
/ Thesis :    Funding :