Real Time Observations of Decaying Colloidal Clusters

ORAL

Abstract

We have studied model colloidal dispersions characterized by long-range electrostatic repulsions and short-range entropically driven attractions. Through a combination of holographic optical trapping and precision digital video microscopy we can create nonequilibrium cluster configurations and track their decay fluctuations. These measurements reveal density and shape fluctuations that accompany the decay of the clusters. Such processes may cast additional light on decay of large atomic nuclei.

–

Authors

  • Marco Polin

  • Sang-Hyuk Lee

    Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University

  • Willem Kegel

    van 't Hoff Laboratories for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Research Institute Utrecht University

  • Andrew D. Hollingsworth

    New York University

  • David Grier

    Soft Matter Research Center, Physics dept., New York, Department of Physics and Center for Soft Matter Research, New York University