We study the physics of a broad range of biological and soft materials

We find ourselves in an era of transition, not just towards a more computing- and data-driven society but also away from unsustainable fossil fuels as an energy source.

This thesis investigates how cell shape and collective behavior influence the dynamics and structure of biological tissues, which are crucial for understanding processes like embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and metastasis.

Shape and biological function are tightly connected. Physical descriptions are used to connect the shape of a biological system with its function.

Promotor: Prof.dr. T. Schmidt, Co-promotor: Dr. ir. S. J.T. van Noort

In this thesis, we develop a novel technique called Optical Near-field Electron Microscopy (ONEM), which aims to combine the advantages of both optical and electron microscopy: the high resolution of electron microscopy and the low sample damage of optical microscopy.

Promotor: D. Bouwmeester, Co-promotor: D. Kraft

Promotor: V. Vitelli, Co-promotor: J. Paulose

Research in the Jawerth lab focuses on using principles from soft condensed matter physics to understand important biological materials.

The way organisms develop from the initial single-cellular state to a complex final assembly like the human body, and how the final body is maintained throughout life, is one of the greatest mysteries and it’s understanding one of the biggest scientific challenges.

Promotor: C.W.J. Beenakker, Co-Promotor: A.R. Akhmerov

In this thesis, we describe the latest advances in SQUID-detected Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM).

Promotor: T. Schmidt

Scattering of light in the presence of nano-structured materials, i.e. with features in the order of the wavelength of the light or smaller, reveals details of how light interacts with matter at the nanoscale.

Promotor: T. Schmidt, Co-Promotor: B.E. Snaar-Jagalska

Promotor: Prof.dr. J.M. van Ruitenbeek, Prof.dr. R.M. Tromp

During my PhD research, I studied the photon statistics of light emitted by a microcavity that contains a single quantum dot (QD) on resonance.

Promotor: T.H. Oosterkamp

Leiden University research institutes based in Leiden and The Hague.

This dissertation revolves around the design and implementation of novel instrumentation and related measurement techniques, at the single molecule level, for use in biophysical research. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the field of fluorescence-based single molecule measurements. In particular,…

The genetic information of all living organisms is contained in their DNA. Cells modify the degree of DNA compaction by epigenetics, which largely determines what genes are read out and which genes are transcriptionally silent.

This PhD-thesis presents a study on micron-sized particles, so-called colloids. By controlling the chemical and physical properties of these particles, such as the interparticle interaction and the particles’ shape, colloids can act as building blocks that self-assembly into larger structures.

Promotores: H. Schiessel, G.T. Barkema

In this thesis unconventional tools based on fluidic interfaces were developed to study the surface and interfacial chemistry of graphene, to characterize the intrinsic properties of graphene, to disentangle the effects of substrate and of the environmental factors, and to improve handling protocols…

Spectroscopic studies on fluorescent single molecules in organic condensed matter does not only provide information about the molecule itself, but also its near environment. By suppression of phonon-induced broadening of spectral lines through cooling to low temperatures, small changes in the spectral…

Promotor: Prof.dr. A. Achucarro

In this thesis we investigate cosmology and the large scale structure of the Universe using cosmological simulations.

Despite being the object of intense study, embryonic development has been difficult to model due to a number of reasons. First, complex tissues can be comprised of many cell types, of which we probably only know a subset.

The specialisation teaches you analytical frameworks and skills for managerial decision making. Internships help you decide whether you want to choose a career in industry or Physics research.

Understanding interactions in quantum many-body systems remains one of the most profound and difficult challenges in condensed matter physics.

Promotor: M.L. van Hecke

This thesis is devoted to an in-depth examination of the various effects of disorder in the cuprate high-temperature superconductors.

This thesis is a collection of experimental attempts to enhance photoluminescence of fluorescent molecules and quantum dots with single gold nanorods (GNRs) and relevant applications.

Promotor: M.L. van Hecke, Co-Promotor: B.P. Tighe

Promotores: G.W. Canters, T.J. Aartsma

Electrons in a crystal lattice have properties that may differ from those of a free electron in vacuum.

Promotor: M. de Jong, Co-Promotor: Samtleben

In human cells, a meter-long DNA is condensed inside a micrometer-sized cell nucleus. Simultaneously, the genetic code must remain accessible for its replication and transcription to functional proteins.

Promotor: E.R. Eliel, Co-Promotor: M.J.A. de Dood

For many system in statistical physics the microcanonical and canonical ensemble are equivalent in the thermodynamic limit, but not for all.

Geometric phases lead to a nontrivial interference result when an electron's different quantum mechanical paths choices encircle a magnetic coil in an Aharonov-Bohm experiment.

This dissertation is an experimental study of laser-generated, atmospheric pressure, transient toroidal helium plasmas.

This thesis aims to improve the detection from ultra-weak single emitter by enhancing their emission properties with plasmonic nanostructures. We exploit the wet-chemically synthesized single crystalline gold nanorods (GNRs) as our basic frameworks in the whole studies, simply because of their unique…

This dissertation combines the use of defined microenvironments, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and time-resolved analysis, to study intracellular and cellular motility.

The key characteristic of active matter is the motion of an emergent collection (such as a flock of birds), which is driven by the consumption of energy by its active components (i.e. individual birds).

Majorana fermions in superconductors are the subgap quasiparticle excitations that are their own antiparticles.

Promotor: J. Zaanen, Co-Promotor: V. Juricic

In the first part of this thesis we study the geometry of folding patterns.

In this thesis, we extend the concept of null models as canonical ensembles of multi-graphs with given constraints and present new metrics able to characterize real-world layered systems based on their correlation patterns.

Biological cells, the basic building blocks of all life forms, are surrounded by a lipid membrane. More than half of the membrane is occupied by membrane proteins, which can regulate the cell functionality through specific arrangements.