Nonlinear and Statistical Physics

California Institute of Technology

1. Systems Far from Equilibrium

   Here the emphasis is on the formation of coherent spatial structures in driven system ("pattern formation") and the breakdown of these structures to complex spatial states with chaotic dynamics ("spatiotemporal chaos").

   Specific topics are

   • Numerical simulations of experimentally realistic systems
   • Pattern Formation
   • Spatiotemporal chaos in models of experimental systems
   • Coarsening in systems far from equilibrium
   • Coupled map lattices
   • Chemical instabilities
   • Statistical mechanics of ideal two dimensional fluids
   • General theory of systems far from equilibrium

2. Physics and Applications of Mesoscopic Systems

   We are involved in various theoretical projects to investigate the possibilities raised by the new experimental ability to carefully craft structures at the 100nm scale. This work proceeds in close collaboration with the experimental effort of Prof. Roukes.

   Topics include:

   • The quantum limit of thermal transport, including the universal phonon conductance at low temperatures, and the effect of scattering by geometry and roughness.
   • Spin transport
   • Magnetic resonance force microscopy
   • Mesoscopic mechanical oscillators
   • Nanoscale cantilevers as biomolecular probes

Recent Publications.