Study of deformation of emulsion droplets with Optical Tweezers

Project Duration: 6 weeks

Hours of Engagement: 36

Project Description: 

This project is concerned with studies of how oil droplets in an oil-water emulsion deform when trapped and manipulated by multiple optical traps. The project will involve production of emulsion droplets with a low surface tension and deforming them using optical tweezers. Furthermore, measuring the force required to deform a droplet would aid in the understanding of emulsions and their stabilizing process.

Expected Outcomes:

The scholar may gain skills in laboratory work concerning optics and understanding of laser micromanipulation process. The results of the work could lead to publication giving the scholar opportunity to generate a publication. The scholar will be asked to present her/his work to the other members of the Optical Micromanipulation Group.

Suitable for:

Interest in physics. Some knowledge of chemistry would be good.

Contact for further information:

Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop: halina@physics.uq.edu.au