HYPERUNIFORMITY

About

It is a property of certain substances where the density fluctuations in the long-wavelength range decay to zero. 

Density fluctuations refer to the variations in the number of particles per unit volume in a fluid or plasma, or to small variations in the density of matter in the universe.

Properties

Hyperuniform materials exhibit a suppression of density fluctuations at large scales. 

Hyperuniform matter has the character of crystals on large-length scales but is an isotropic-like liquid.

These unique properties can give rise to novel physical properties in these materials and could have applications in technology and biology.

Where are they found?

They are observed in

Quasicrystals(a solid material with an ordered but non-periodic arrangement of atoms), 

Universe structures such as galaxies, planets, stars, etc.

Biological emulsions(a mixture of two or more liquids that are stabilized by biosurfactants, which are nontoxic, biodegradable compounds synthesized by microorganisms.) and

Colloids (A mixture, consisting of microscopically dispersed insoluble particles suspended in another substance)

Applications

They are used in energy-efficient photonic devices for optical data transmission.

They are used for technological solutions to control of physiological functions in biological systems.

Isotropic and Anisotropic materials

Properties of Isotropic materials remain the same when tested in different directions. Common isotropic materials include glass, plastics, and metals.

Anisotropic Materials are those materials whose properties vary depending on direction. For example, wood, graphite, carbon fiber, and composite materials are anisotropic.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “hyperuniformity” recently seen in the news: 

1. It is a property of certain substances where the density fluctuations in the long-wavelength range decay to zero.
2. Hyper uniform materials have the character of crystals on large length scales but are isotropic like liquids.
3. They are used in energy-efficient photonic devices.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C. All Three

D.None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: 

It is a property of certain substances where the density fluctuations in the long-wavelength range decay to zero.

Density fluctuations refers to variations in the number of particles per unit volume in a fluid or plasma, or to small variations in the density of matter in the universe

Statement 2 is correct: 

Hyper uniform materials exhibit a suppression of density fluctuations at large scales. 

Hyperuniform matter has the character of crystals on large length scales but is isotropic like liquids.

These unique properties can give rise to novel physical properties in these materials, and could have applications in technology and biology.

Statement 3 is correct: 

They are used in energy-efficient photonic devices for optical data transmission.

They are used for technological solutions to control of physiological functions in biological systems.