David G. GrierProfessor

This site describes research in soft condensed matter physics performed by David Grier's group at New York University. Through experiments on model systems, we aim to understand the processes by which microscopic interactions among simple objects can give rise to hierarchies of order and function, and to exploit these processes to create new useful and interesting systems, materials and devices.
Our current focus is on the interactions, dynamics, and collective properties of specially prepared colloidal dispersions consisting of micrometer-scale spheres dispersed in fluid media. We have developed techniques for measuring the vanishingly small electrostatic, hydrodynamic and entropic interactions among colloidal particles. Though small, these same forces are responsible for the self-organization of biological systems and the macroscopic properties of a great many industrial products. They also cause our colloidal spheres to assemble themselves into beautiful crystals whose extraordinary optical properties open new avenues for research in photonics.