# Organizing and Characterizing Soft Matter with Acoustic Holography

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · New York University (NY) · $688,618

## Abstract

Non-technical Abstract

Waves push and pull small objects, causing the objects to recoil and scattering the waves. This interplay causes mobile objects to reorganize themselves in any context where waves interact with matter. This program will use sound as a model wave to uncover general principles of wave-mediated self-organization in common materials such as droplets, powders and biological cells. The experimental initiative will expand on recent breakthroughs to create structured sound waves that can move objects freely in three dimensions. The project will use these structured sound fields to measure wave-mediated interactions and to discover how those interactions induce materials to self-organize.  The same approach will used to develop an innovative form of acoustic imaging that can characterize physical objects while tracking their movements in three dimensions. These activities will be used to train graduate and undergraduate students and will serve as a focal point for the PI’s award-winning K-12 STEM outreach program. Real-world applications for non-contact acoustic manipulation will be patented and brought to market through the Principal Investigator’s entrepreneurial activities.  

Technical Abstract

This program will advance the science of wave-mediated interactions in soft and granular matter using acoustic holography as a platform both for manipulation and also for characterization. The core innovation is the development and application of a new acousto

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2428983
- **Awardee organization:** New York University (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NX9PXMKW5KW8
- **PI:** David G Grier
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** (MGI) Materials Genome Initiative, Materials AI
- **Estimated total:** $688,618
- **Funds obligated:** $450,371
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2428983

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2428983, Organizing and Characterizing Soft Matter with Acoustic Holography. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2428983. Licensed CC0.

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