We are pleased to announce that on October 1st, 2024, Arne Geldof (Fig. 1) joined the “Light & Matter” research group at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, as a new researcher. Arne is a doctoral candidate in the MSCA Doctoral Network MAESTRI and a doctoral student in the doctoral study program “Mathematics and Physics” at the University of Ljubljana. He holds a Master of Science in Photonics Engineering from Ghent and Brussels Universities and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ghent University. With his background, Arne brings a valuable diverse expertise to the research proficiency of the group.

Arne’s initial research focuses on studying magnetic field-induced changes in the surface properties of magnetoactive materials composed of various types of magnetic micro/nano particles introduced into a commercial biodegradable plastic. The materials are fabricated by MAESTRI doctoral candidate Lucija Drempetić at the J. Stefan Institute in Ljubljana. The preliminary optical microscopy studies have shown that external magnetic fields can significantly increase surface roughness in some of the fabricated samples (Fig. 2), which is a promising basis for future research. On long term, Arne aims to develop optical feedback and manipulation mechanisms to enable controlled movement in soft robotic components made from magnetoactive elastomers.

Fig.1. Arne in the research laboratory.

Fig.2. Magnetic field-induced modification of surface topography as revealed by optical microscopy imaging.