Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Dhar, Prajnaparamita
Author's Email Address	prajnadhar@gmail.com
URN	etd-03042008-143156
Title	Autonomous and Guided Motion of Active Components at Interfaces
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Thomas Fischer Committee Chair Brian Miller Committee Member Ingo Wiedenhover Committee Member Oliver Steinbock Committee Member
Keywords	Autonomous Motion Active Components Bimetallic Nanorods Ratchet Potential Asymmetry
Date of Defense	2008-02-13
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Nature presents active components in the form of proteins and molecular motors that are involved in locomotion and inter compartmental transport. Inspired by nature, this dissertation focuses on presenting experimental means to understand the motion of active components at interfaces. Active components are defined as components that either autonomously move or start to move in a viscous fluctuating environment. We investigate mechanisms by which energy may be converted into directed motion in case of synthetic nanomotors. Strategies for achieving guided motion along predetermined paths by overcoming fluctuations are explored. In addition we attempt to use dissipation in these systems to achieve guided motion at interfaces. Thus, this dissertation lays some of the foundations necessary for an understanding and smart design of synthetic motors.
Files	Filename       Size       Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)     28.8 Modem   56K Modem   ISDN (64 Kb)   ISDN (128 Kb)   Higher-speed Access    DharPDissertation.pdf 4.43 Mb 00:20:30 00:10:32 00:09:13 00:04:36 00:00:23