Laboratory for Computational Nanoscience
and
Soft Matter Simulation

The new revolution in nano-science, engineering and technology is being driven by our ability to manipulate matter at the molecular, nanoparticle, and colloidal level to create "designer" structures. The Glotzer group uses computer simulation to discover the fundamental principles of how nanoscale systems of building blocks self-assemble, and to discover how to control the assembly process to engineer new materials. By mimicking biological assembly, we are exploring ways to nano-engineer materials that are self-assembling, self-sensing, and self-regulating. The group is developing theory and molecular simulation tools to understand these materials, and elucidate the nature of supercooled liquids, glasses and crystallization.

Media Highlights

Crystalline Assemblies and Densest Packings of a Family of Truncated Tetrahedra and the Role of Directional Entropic Forces

Engineers discover nanoscale balancing act that mirrors forces at work in living systems Publication: NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY Volume: 6 Issue: 9 Pages: 580-587 DOI: 10.1038/NNANO.2011.121 Published: SEP 2011 Image: T.D.Nguyen

Pablo F. Damasceno, Michael Engel, and Sharon C. Glotzer

Packing Tetrahedra appeared in the New York Times!