Physics of active systems

Description

Starting from the classical Brownian random walkers case (Wiener process), we will investigate a number of phenomena relevant to soft matter science, physical chemistry and biochemistry, disordered and complex systems.

We will start by introducing first passage times and capture problems, reaction diffusion kinetics (smoluchovski binding rates, dynamic quenching of fluorescence,etc), persistence in stochastic processes, space-time correlations in reactive systems, random aggregation or surface growth.

Then, we will turn to situations displaying anomalous diffusion (Levy flights, trap dynamics, phenomenology of aging, turbulent advection…)

Finally, we will address the case of active dissipative systems: particles, swimmers and various emerging collective phenomena

Whenever possible, theoretical arguments will be presented and confronted to experimental results.

Compétences visées

•    Applying knowledge in physics

•    Apply methods from mathematics and digital technology

•    Produce a critical analysis, with hindsight and perspective

•    Interact with colleagues in physics and other disciplines

•    Research a physics topic using specialised resources

•    Communicate in writing and orally, including in English

•    Respect ethical, professional and environmental principles in the practice of physics 

Syllabus

We will start by introducing first passage times and capture problems, reaction diffusion kinetics (smoluchovski binding rates, dynamic quenching of fluorescence,etc), persistence in stochastic processes, space-time correlations in reactive systems, random aggregation or surface growth.

Then, we will turn to situations displaying anomalous diffusion (Levy flights, trap dynamics, phenomenology of aging, turbulent advection…)

Finally, we will address the case of active dissipative systems: particles, swimmers and various emerging collective phenomena

Whenever possible, theoretical arguments will be presented and confronted to experimental results.

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