How:
The mechanical and optical properties of around
300 different samples will be studied “visually, microscopically,
at the particle level using the versatile Light Microscope Module (LMM)
facility.
The LMM provides confocal microscopy, spectrophotometry,
laser tweezing, and multiple-samples capabilities that are the key capabilities
for research in colloids, and biological sciences.
20 nm to 1 micron diameter acrylic, polystyrene,
silica, and liquid crystal, metallic, and non-metallic particles
are expected to be used. We cannot do this in Earth gravity.
Thus, employ ‘colloid engineering’ to manufacture
and study a large variety of crystals, via self-assembly in microgravity,
that will be valuable in diverse technical applications.
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Impact/Benefits:
Optical Materials: 3-dimensional photonic materials,
optical switches, and components for future computers.
Biomedical Applications: Materials for novel
drug delivery, biomimetic assemblies, encapsulating cells, and tissue culture.
Science: The scientific results add to fundamental knowledge in colloid and condensed matter physics regarding the nature of transitions among gaseous, liquid, solid/crystal, and glassy states of matter.
Physics of Colloids in Space-2 Web Links
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