Dynamic excitation of membranes using optical tweezers


Propagation of the pearling instability in tubular membranes, induced by application of the optical tweezers (bright spot). The instability is caused by a competition of curvature and tension. The diameter of the tube is about 1mm.

 

Instability and "pearling" states produced in tubular membranes by competition of curvature and tension
Bar-Ziv R. & Moses E. (1994) Physical Review Letters. 73, 10, p. 1392-1395
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Critical dynamics in the pearling instability of membranes
Tlusty T., Bar-Ziv R. & Moses E. (1997) Physical Review Letters. 79, 6, p. 1158-1161
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