Directed Materials Assembly by Optical and Acoustic Forces

We develop novel concepts based on the idea that forces arising from light (as optical traps or photo- thermal based) and standing acoustic waves can be used to influence the products of ongoing chemical reactions. These forces dictate the spatial distribution of the materials, their mesoscopic structure and could allow the formation of new composite materials. These approaches have many benefits compared to other "bottom-up" methods for material assembly that conventionally rely on accumulation of preformed materials.

A key feature of our methodology is its modularity, as it could be implemented on various material systems. Due to the flexibility in material choice, this innovative approach will open the door to new ways to act upon materials, with envisioned applications in 3D printing, electronics and sensing.