Available student project - Localised formations in open systems
Research fields
- Theoretical Physics
- Photonics, Lasers and Nonlinear Optics
Project details
Dissipative solitons can be considered as localized objects in open systems that appear as the result of a balance between energy supply and dissipation. In order to have stationary localized solutions, this balance has to be exact to prevent either an indefinite growth or the complete disappearance of the soliton. Dissipative solitons in these systems also require a balance between the matter supply and loss . These objects are 'alive': they oscillate when there isn't enough energy or matter, as if the object were breathing. When matter and energy stops flowing through the system, it 'dies'. If these processes happen in simple formations like solitons, we can imagine how the very basic forms of life were 'born' in nature from non-living elements. Thus, the soliton model can help us to understand basic biological functions. This concept is also well-accepted in optics and generally in physics. It allows us to explain complicated dynamics in simple terms. Students have the chance to make their own contribution to this modern science.
Required background
Interest in general science and knowledge of mathematics
Project suitability
- Honours project
- Phd or Masters
Contact supervisor
Other supervisor(s)
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