Computational and Soft Matter Physics

Research Kantorovich

Group picture Kantorovich Group
Sofia Kantorovich

Dipolar Soft Matter

Magnetic dipoles:

  • Magnetic Fluids
  • Magnetic Gels and Nanogels
  • Magnetic Elastomers
  • Magnetic Filaments and Brushes
  • Micron sized Anisotropic Magnetic Particles
    • Janus Particles
    • Platelets
    • Ellipsoids
    • Cubes
  • Active Magnetic Matter
  • Granular Magnetic Matter

Electric dipoles:

  • Complex Electrolytes
Collage of scientific visualizations illustrating different types of dipolar soft matter, including particle networks, magnetic gels, filament-like chains, surface-bound brushes, and anisotropic particles.
Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich

We use a fine weave of statistical physics and different computer simulation techniques. The basis of our research is that independently of the size of the dipolar “building blocks”, all these systems are fundamentally similar, and, in general terms, theoretical approaches and simulation tools once developed, can be applied to describe dipolar systems with absolutely different characteristic lengths. Thus, the principal aim of our group is to broaden the understanding of dipolar soft matter by extending and generalising the existing theoretical and simulation methods, bridging various scales, and developing novel universal approaches. In doing so, we elucidate the relationship between the microstructure and the macroscopic behaviour of dipolar systems in different branches of physics, chemistry and bio-physics. As such, we collaborate with various scientific groups to both verify newly developed analytical approaches and assist in designing new smart soft dipolar materials on various scales.

  • 3D representation of a cube-shaped cluster of spherical magnetic particles, with one particle highlighted in purple in the upper right corner.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • 3D representation of a ring-shaped cluster of spherical magnetic particles with several particles highlighted in purple.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Scientific simulation on a black background showing two large, mesh-like spherical structures connected at a narrow central region, surrounded by many small particles.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Four-panel particle simulation showing dense layers of orange-brown bead chains attached to a flat surface. The upper panels show side views, while the lower panels show top views of increasingly upright, radially extended chain structures.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Dense three-dimensional particle simulation showing a large, irregular aggregate of mostly dark gray spherical particles with scattered red particles throughout.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Three-dimensional rendering of a magnetic filament made of blue-and-yellow two-tone spherical particles. The filament forms a compact tangled cluster in the center, with two chain ends extending outward in opposite directions.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Three-dimensional simulation rendering showing several curved chains of large blue, brown, and gray spherical particles embedded in a dense web of thin, translucent connecting lines and smaller particles.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Two grayscale simulation images of magnetic particle structures: on the left, small particles form highly branched, network-like aggregates; on the right, the particles are arranged in long, winding chain-like structures.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich
  • Four-panel simulation figure showing anisotropic particles at different magnifications or stages of aggregation. The left panels contain many small, randomly oriented particles, while the right panels show only a few larger, arrow-shaped particles.
    Dipolar Soft Matter Group Sofia Kantorovich