Welcome to the Zhou lab in the Physics Department of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Our research is driven by the fascinating physics in liquid crystals (LCs), in active matters, and when the two meet. We are particularly interested in lyotropic liquid crystals formed by anisometric nano- or micro-particles of rod or disk shape. Examples include linear molecular aggregates,  carbon nanotubes, biofilaments(virus, microtubules, actin…), mineral platelets, and graphene oxide. Their very different (entropic) way of condensing to liquid crystal phases make their mechanical and dynamical properties distinct from thermotropic LCs – those we use daily in LCD and other electro-optical devices. In addition, many lyotropic LCs are biocompatible, therefore can host a range of microorganisms to shift the system out of equilibrium. By constantly consuming energy to drive locomotion, these active particles creates fascinating phenomena in an intrinsically ordered environment. The combination of liquid crystal and microorganisms allows us to explore active matter in an extended range of symmetries that were not possible before. 

Our research interests are constantly updating and expanding. Click here to learn more.