Development and Application of Three-Dimensional Multi-Resolution Imaging

A complex system contains dynamics that span several orders of time scales over several length scales that are spatially non-homogeneous. Examples include virus (or nanoscale drug delivery vehicle) uptake by a living cell and particle percolation through a dynamically reconfiguring medium. The spatial heterogeneity and the lack of separation of time scales are such that ensemble-averaged experimental approaches tend to miss the mechanism-defining steps in such processes. In this presentation, we explain how a multi-resolution approach helps to elucidate dynamics in complex systems. We then describe the basic ideas and implementations for these types of instrument. Applications to biological and materials systems will also be discussed.