Abstract

Field-theoretical models are a highly valuable and widely used tool for understanding the properties of nonequilibrium (and equilibrium) soft matter systems. Phase separation in active matter is perhaps the most well-known example, but by far not the only one. In this talk, I will address a number of recent experimental observations made in nonequilibrium soft matter systems that are so far not theoretically understood, and I will present ongoing efforts to develop and study field-theoretical models that allow to capture these observations. Specifically, I will discuss crystals with transverse and nonreciprocal interactions, liquid-liquid phase separation and amyloid formation in cells, spontaneous charging of sliding droplets, and quantum-mechanical active matter.