scholarly journals Control over the formation of supramolecular material objects using reaction–diffusion

Soft Matter ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (21) ◽  
pp. 4276-4283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matija Lovrak ◽  
Wouter E. Hendriksen ◽  
Michiel T. Kreutzer ◽  
Volkert van Steijn ◽  
Rienk Eelkema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Soft Matter ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Material Objects ◽  
Coupled Reaction ◽  
Supramolecular Material

The ratio between diffusion and reaction time scales determines the size of soft matter objects made through self-assembly-coupled reaction–diffusion.

scholarly journals Motility at the Origin of Life: Its Characterization and a Model

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Froese ◽  
Nathaniel Virgo ◽  
Takashi Ikegami
Keyword(s):  
Origin Of Life ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Dissipative Structures ◽  
Reaction Diffusion Systems ◽  
Diffusion Systems ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Intermediate Time ◽  
The Origin Of Life

Due to recent advances in synthetic biology and artificial life, the origin of life is currently a hot topic of research. We review the literature and argue that the two traditionally competing replicator-first and metabolism-first approaches are merging into one integrated theory of individuation and evolution. We contribute to the maturation of this more inclusive approach by highlighting some problematic assumptions that still lead to an ximpoverished conception of the phenomenon of life. In particular, we argue that the new consensus has so far failed to consider the relevance of intermediate time scales. We propose that an adequate theory of life must account for the fact that all living beings are situated in at least four distinct time scales, which are typically associated with metabolism, motility, development, and evolution. In this view, self-movement, adaptive behavior, and morphological changes could have already been present at the origin of life. In order to illustrate this possibility, we analyze a minimal model of lifelike phenomena, namely, of precarious, individuated, dissipative structures that can be found in simple reaction-diffusion systems. Based on our analysis, we suggest that processes on intermediate time scales could have already been operative in prebiotic systems. They may have facilitated and constrained changes occurring in the faster- and slower-paced time scales of chemical self-individuation and evolution by natural selection, respectively.

Dynamics of a coupled reaction-diffusion system

1990 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Etlicher ◽  
H Wilhelmsson
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Reaction Diffusion System ◽  
Diffusion System ◽  
Coupled Reaction

Topological liquid crystal superstructures as structured light lasers

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (49) ◽  
pp. e2110839118
Author(s):  
Miha Papič ◽  
Urban Mur ◽  
Kottoli Poyil Zuhail ◽  
Miha Ravnik ◽  
Igor Muševič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Soft Matter ◽  
Structured Light ◽  
Topological Defects ◽  
Photonic Devices ◽  
Light Polarization ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
Fabry Perot ◽  
Self Assembled ◽  
External Stimuli

Liquid crystals (LCs) form an extremely rich range of self-assembled topological structures with artificially or naturally created topological defects. Some of the main applications of LCs are various optical and photonic devices, where compared to their solid-state counterparts, soft photonic systems are fundamentally different in terms of unique properties such as self-assembly, self-healing, large tunability, sensitivity to external stimuli, and biocompatibility. Here we show that complex tunable microlasers emitting structured light can be generated from self-assembled topological LC superstructures containing topological defects inserted into a thin Fabry–Pérot microcavity. The topology and geometry of the LC superstructure determine the structuring of the emitted light by providing complex three-dimensionally varying optical axis and order parameter singularities, also affecting the topology of the light polarization. The microlaser can be switched between modes by an electric field, and its wavelength can be tuned with temperature. The proposed soft matter microlaser approach opens directions in soft matter photonics research, where structured light with specifically tailored intensity and polarization fields could be designed and implemented.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document