Projects
HPC iterative solvers for multi-particle physics simulation. University of Antwerp
Exploring horizons with gravitational waves KU Leuven
Horizons of black holes and in the early universe have played a central role in our quest for a comprehensive theory of quantum gravity. Recent advances in theoretical high-energy physics challenge the classical viewpoint that horizons act as a perfect veil that separates our observable world from the quantum gravity realm beyond them. With this project I aim to contribute towards a better understanding of the quantum nature of horizons of ...
Probing down to the atomic scale the size-dependent electronic and magnetic properties of few-atom clusters. KU Leuven
Small clusters or nanoparticles are potential building blocks for future applications such as spintronics and quantum computing. In this project we will focus on ultra-small clusters composed of one or two types of elements with only two to a few tens of atoms (e.g., Au clusters, Co clusters, B clusters, and binary clusters, e.g. AuPt). In the recently developed cluster beam deposition apparatus, the clusters first will be mass-selected in ...
Modelling a gliding arc plasma reactor by means of COMSOL Multiphysics. University of Antwerp
Quantization of Charge Transport in Gapped Ground States KU Leuven
In this thesis we investigate the topological structure of the set of gapped ground states of charge conserving systems. The connected components of this set are called gapped phases. The approach taken is to find topological invariants of gapped ground states taking values in a discrete set, and changing continuously under continuous deformations of the ground state. As such, the topological invariants are constant within the same ...
Holography in String Theory KU Leuven
Gravity is one of the fundamental forces that controls our everyday life. For such an important force there are still many unanswered questions. Why is it so weak compared to the other fundamental forces? What is dark matter and what is dark energy? The other fundamental forces are described well by a framework called gauge theory. However, a unifying description of all fundamental forces is still missing. Recently, remarkable insights from ...
Polarization effects in high-energy hadronic collisions. University of Antwerp
Statistical mechanics of inhomogeneous complex fluids and particle transport models KU Leuven
Statistical mechanics is applied to three systems; Colloid-polymer mixture near a hard wall, irreversible aggregation models, and transport phenomena in engines.
Density Functional theory is used to describe a demixed colloid-polymer mixture at three-phase coexistence. The excess surface free energy for imposed wetting layers are computed and the line tension and the shape of the transition zone are computed via an interface ...
Epigenetic regulation of differentiation of hepatocytes using human pluripotent stem cells as a model. KU Leuven
Pluripotent stem cells present in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, from which embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived, self-renew while retaining the capability to differentiate to all cell types of the three germ layers. hESCs have a unique epigenetic state to maintain pluripotency (PMID: 21876557). During embryological development, pluripotent stem cells differentiate, governed by epigenetic changes that induce activation and ...