The philosophy of the AIMAN-FILMS group is to exploit multiphysics couplings to develop detection, diagnosis, actuation or information storage and processing methods. The target areas are transport, the Internet of Things and health. The group is made up of experimental researchers, micro/nano-technologists and theoreticians in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, acoustics, electronics, optics and magnetism. The strength of this mix lies in the emergence of attractive new concepts. The research themes are divided into 4 main areas.
Nano & Microsystems - Surface acoustic wave devices
Micro-devices with multiphysical couplings for intelligent and green transport.
Together with ONERA, the CPER RITMEA partners, the FR TTM and European ground transport and aeronautics manufacturers, we are studying devices that combine small-scale fluid mechanics with other physical quantities for flow manipulation and metrology. We are interested in the active control of aerodynamic flows on land and flying vehicles with a view to reducing drag, increasing range, agility or the safety domain. There has been a sharp rise in TRL (5/6) for anemometric sensors [GHO19, 19A, 21, 22 ,KAZ21]. This is integrated into the RESISTE project of PEPR Electronics with the aim of creating an industry in France for MEMS in severe environments.
SAW actuators for surface cleaning.
We are developing integrated actuators for cleaning optical surfaces such as sensors or solar panels. This has led to the creation of the VISION start-up, with which the group is developing prototypes while continuing to study theoretical aspects such as particle friction.
Development of multiphysics SAW sensors for digital twins.
We are studying SAW devices for the remote measurement of physical quantities such as magnetic fields [MAZ20], temperature, deformation and vibration[HAL21]. This is of interest to Jeumont Electric, which is looking for low-cost sensor networks that can be integrated into electrical machines. The ANR WISSTITWIN project is currently underway [MOU23, MAR23A, B, C].
SAW filters for telecoms.
ST Microelectronics asked us, as part of the joint laboratory with IEMN, to provide our expertise in the sizing and manufacture of SAW devices in order to develop a new academic channel for RF filters for 5G, based in particular on POI (Piezoelectric On Insulator) substrates.
Miniature atomic devices.
In 2021, the group recruited V. Maurice, who brought with him his expertise in atomic magnetometers and electric field sensors. He is looking to develop their full integration with FEMTO-ST researchers [MAU22, CAR23]. There are many future directions: single-photon sources, quantum memories, gyrometers, THz imaging, emission, etc. In 2023, we will gradually be integrating J-F. Clément, MdCHC-HDR from PhLAM, who will be developing miniaturised microfabricated cold atom platforms.
Fluidics & Acoustic
Acoustofluidics: Acoustic tweezers.
We have developed the first acoustic tweezers for 3D manipulation and selective organisation of cells and micro-organisms. These tweezers are based on active holograms consisting of interdigitated combs deposited on a piezoelectric substrate, the pattern of which reproduces the phase hologram of an acoustic vortex at the heart of which is trapped the target particle [...].BAU20, GON20, GON22]. The next step is to develop acoustic tweezers with holograms that can be reconfigured to achieve micrometric precision.
Acoustofluidics: Micro-streaming and micro-swimmers.
Their development for biomedical applications faces a triple challenge: (i) their power supply, (ii) their biocompatibility and (iii) their 3D manoeuvrability in complex environments. To this end, we will develop micro-swimmers propelled by acoustic waves producing microstreaming flows on micro-fins.
Fluids and interfaces: Hydraulic jets and jets.
The group has investigated the impact of liquid jets on solid surfaces and, in particular, the effective role of surface tension on the phenomenon of hydraulic jounce, thus putting an end to a scientific controversy on the subject. We discovered a phenomenon of spontaneous oscillations for a circular surge with a coupling to a resonant cavity [GOE24]. Work is currently underway to gain a detailed understanding of circular jets and couplings, and activities are being developed around the impact of a liquid jet in a soap film.
Fluids and interfaces: Hydrodynamics and phase change.
We are exploring systems that combine hydrodynamics and phase change, such as the Leidenfrost effect on a liquid[...BAC20]. We have also studied the impact of a liquid jet on a superheated plate (>>100°C). These areas of research are continuing and will be strengthened by the fact that we are a partner in a European ETN project on the Leidenfrost effect.
Fluids and interfaces: analogue cosmology.
We are currently carrying out studies on the dynamics of displacement and fusion of liquid lenses on a soap film and are developing the associated theoretical models. This theme will be pursued by exploring possible analogies with galaxy mergers.
Fluids and interfaces: Effects of particles on the dynamics of interfaces.
We are studying the effect of particles on modifying the properties of fluid interfaces and have shown that it is possible to stabilise interfaces and obtain extremely long-lived bubbles and anti-bubbles [...ROU22]. We have also studied the role of microbubbles trapped under a particle in its adhesion to a solid substrate. We plan to work on cargo bubbles that can carry active ingredients.
Fluids and interfaces: dynamics and rupture of capillary bridges in complex networks.
We are also studying the dynamics and rupture of capillary bridges in complex tree-like networks mimicking the pulmonary tree in relation to obstructive lung diseases [...].FAV20].
Acoustic imaging.
The group has expertise in non-linear elastography. We are studying an original method combining, for a given level of compression, static elastography to measure deformation and dynamic elastography to characterise tangent stiffness, with the aim of reconstructing the hyperelastic behaviour of biological tissues[...PER23].
We are also studying the simulation of acoustic propagation through the skull using a hybrid method (finite elements/angiular spectra) in order to adaptively correct the phase aberrations of ultrasound waves when the plane wavefront crosses the skull in ultrafast imaging. The aim is to improve beamforming and enable the best possible localisation of scattered ultrasound contrast agents in ultrasound localisation microscopy (ULM) imaging.
Acoustics and friction.
V. Aleshin is a specialist in modelling for the exploitation of contact acoustic non-linearity of defects for acoustic non-destructive testing [TRU19, ALE20A, ALE20B, TER21, ALE23]. This expertise is used to clean surfaces using SAW or other localised waves to move solid particles with the help of friction.
Thermo/Photo-acoustics.
With Thalès as part of a CIFRE thesis, we have studied "thermophony" or "mechanophony" on carbon compounds for the generation of waves in fluids over a wide spectrum [?GUI19A, 19B, 20, 21]. This study is being extended to thermoacoustic and photoacoustic systems for the detection of specific cancer markers.
Multiphysics magnetism
The group works on applications of magneto-elastic coupling in thin-film materials. This has already led to concepts such as a very low-energy magnetoelectric memory based on the combination of magnetoelastic layers and electro-active substrates [PRE18].
Spintronic transmitters for Terahertz
With the Terahertz Photonics team at the IEMN, we have begun to explore spintronic THz emission devices. As part of the FETOPEN s-NEBULA project supported by THALES S.A. between 2020 and 2023, we have demonstrated the control of polarisation direction by a variable magnetic field[...KOL22], as well as by the magnetoelectric effect[LEZ22]. We have also demonstrated the possibility of modulating the polarisation direction at 10 MHz. Finally, with the Fraunhofer ITMW institute, we have developed THz transmitters integrated on optical fibres[...PAR23This has been the subject of a patent application. We are now working on integrating these emitters into near-field characterisation tools and we have integrated the PEPR SPIN TOAST project. In this paper we explore the use of SAWs for potential modulation in the GHz range.
Magnetoacoustic devices on SAW.
In magnetoelastic layers, the elastic parameters of the layers vary when a magnetic field is applied, resulting in a change in the speed of wave propagation. Depending on the properties of the layer, weak or strong fields can be measured. In this area, the focus is on optimising layers. This activity has been integrated into the PEPR SPIN ADAGE and SPINMAT projects.
Spintronic devices for information storage and processing.
Since 2019, we have been studying skyrmion devices and other magnetic topological objects with Prof. R. Sbiaa, from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman [SAI23A, B]. In the nanostructured layers that we have deposited, we have demonstrated the existence of these objects. The aim is to study the possibility of controlling them magneto-electrically and by surface acoustic waves.
Generalisation of the micro-magnetism equation.
In his paper on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation [GIO20S. Giordano takes into account inertial effects in the dynamics of magnetic dipoles recently observed experimentally, and provides a building block for the study of very high frequency spintronic and straintronic systems.
Multiphysics quantum devices based on defects in solids.
The aim of this new theme in the group is to try to bridge the gap between current conventional SAW sensors and quantum sensors such as those with NV centres. The solution lies in the development of efficient and integrated transduction using multiphysics coupling in SAW magneto-acoustic resonators. Joint proposals with the Laboratoire des Sciences des Procédés et des Matériaux (LSPM) and the Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris (IRCP) have been submitted. This initiative is in line with the IEMN's ambition to be a major player in quantum technologies.
Health Applications
Among the possible applications of the themes studied in the axes, the group has chosen to focus on those linked to the health sector. The first interactions took place with local players, but progressed to the European level. Here are the main avenues explored.
Ultrasound medical imaging techniques using elastography.
These techniques, mentioned in Axis 2, have a direct link with the medical world. The STRATUM project (INSERM EVA-MIC2023), with partners IRIT UMR 5505 in Toulouse and iBRAIN INSERM 1253 in Tours, is in the start-up phase. It involves the development and validation of an ultrasound imaging tool to complement MRI perfusion for monitoring and diagnosing the neo-angiogenesis of brain tumours, in order to improve early diagnosis and better adapt treatments, using a recent concept of imaging by ultrasound localisation microscopy (ULM) in 3D for brain tumours without opening the skull.
Statistical mechanics applied to biology and materials science.
This study uses statistical mechanics to examine the impact of temperature on micromechanical phenomena relevant to biophysics and materials science. It explores aspects such as friction, fracture, adhesion and configurational transformations in macromolecules. The results show that adhesion and fracture can be analysed as phase transitions from 2nd order, with important applications in DNA denaturation and cell decohesion. It also highlights the importance of thermal effects in the nanomechanics of materials. The combination of thermal and velocity effects is crucial to understanding the behaviour of materials at these scales [FLO20, BEN20, CAN21, CAN23, GIO22, GIO23]. Further research will focus on these phenomena outside thermodynamic equilibrium and on the transition from discrete to continuous models with a view to future integration into continuum mechanics.
Application of magnetic field sensors and spintronic devices.
One of the applications of the Rydberg atom magnetic field sensors presented in Axis 1 concerns the measurement of biomagnetic signals for magneto-cardiography or even magnetoencephalography. The same applies to SAW sensors. Finally, the magneto-plasmonic sensors we have studied are an interesting way of increasing the sensitivity of biochemical sensors[DOL19].
Remotely interrogatable patches for monitoring biomarkers.
SWEATPATCH is a Horizon-EIC-2023 European exploratory project involving 11 renowned research institutions and industrial partners from 5 countries. The aim is to develop and clinically test a remotely interrogatable passive patch for monitoring the therapeutic response of breast cancer patients by analysing selected VOC biomarkers from the evaporation of sweat on the skin.
Micro-devices with multiphysical couplings for biology and health.
CanDoIt is a doctoral network of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions of Horizon Europe, led by the group's researchers at Centrale Lille. It includes 18 teams, academic and non-academic participants from 5 European countries, with unique and exceptional expertise. CanDoIt aims to train 12 PhD students to develop multimodal biosensors for breast cancer diagnosis and therapeutic response monitoring.
Biomarkers & Biosensors
L. Manzaneres was recruited on the basis of the Junior Professorship (CPJ) at Centrale Lille in the field of bio-sensors. The aim of his work will be to detect biomarkers at low concentrations and to observe biomolecules in their natural and dynamic states in order to better understand and control biomolecular dynamics at the molecular level.