Description du sujet de thèse

Living systems transduce energy to operate, forming examples of Active Matter. Biological cells, for instance, behave as complex micro-factories, driven by internal nanomotors. The latter move, interact, bump and generate programmed forces on the membrane. Designing equivalently complex micromachines constitutes an outstanding challenge, which requires understanding how to generate work from the bottom-up.

At the LOMA, we have recently developed photo-activated, artificial nanomotors. They are formed by self-propelling and asymmetric nanoparticles. The nanomotors harness thermal gradients to propel in 3D, and reach velocities of hundreds of microns per second, as controlled by light. Such nanomotors have the potential to generate forces on much larger objects.

The aim of this PhD project is to study the statistical properties of active baths at the nanoscale. In particular, we will investigate how such nanomotors can drive the dynamics of otherwise passive objects, such as colloids and soft membranes, to further design microscale machines. The candidate will analyze how the dynamics of the fluid and passive objects can be connected to the non-equilibrium properties of the active bath, in particular in terms of macroscopic quantities such as active pressure and temperature. The final goal is to extract and program relevant protocols to generate work, paving the way towards novel means of transport and manipulation at the microscopic scale.

Contexte de travail

This project is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) in the framework of the project NanoDArt.

The PhD student will be a full member of the Optoflow group of the Soft Matter and Biophysics team at the LOMA, University of Bordeaux. The field of expertise of the LOMA combines theory, simulations, experimental soft (and active) matter and optics, with non-equilibrium statistical physics, granular and fluid flows, optofluidics and biophysics. The candidate will benefit from local collaborations (LOMA and ICMCB, Bordeaux) for both experimental and theoretical aspects. We are committed to provide a safe and inclusive environment for each member of the lab.

Candidates should have a background in experimental physics, in particular optical physics and/or colloidal soft matter. Knowledge in colloidal science and chemistry would be beneficial.

Please provide a complete resume, track record, and a motivation letter adapted to the specificity of this offer, including at least two reference contacts. We will accept applications until the offer is filled.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

This work implies the use of lasers and nanoparticles.