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Direct visual observation of thermal capillary waves D. G. A. L. Aarts, M. Schmidt, and H. N. W. Lekkerkerker, Science 304, 847 (2004). Locate in [bare] [illustrated] list. Get [full paper] as pdf. Extract. We studied the free fluid-fluid interface in a phase-separated colloid-polymer dispersion with laser scanning confocal microscopy and directly observed thermally induced capillary waves at the interface in real space. Experimental results for static and dynamic correlation functions validate the capillary wave model down to almost the particle level. The ultralow interfacial tension, the capillary length, and the capillary time are found to be in agreement with independent measurements. [more]  Read the [full paper] as pdf. |
Fluid interfaces
Colloid-polymer mixtures display fluid-fluid interfaces [21] [44], relevant for laser-induced condensation [35], capillary condensation [43] and evaporation [48], immersion in porous media [41], the appearance of the floating liquid phase [52], the competition between sedimentation and phase coexistence [51], tension at a substrate [45], the experimental observation of thermal capillary waves [47], and the contact angle of the liquid-gas interface and a wall [50]. In colloidal rod-sphere mixtures fluid-fluid interfaces were investigated with theory [30] and simulation [42]. Hard sphere fluids were considered at surfaces of porous media [37], in random fiber networks [39], and in one dimensional cases [46].[more]