Dynamics of Layering Transitions in Confined Liquids

F. Mugele; M. Salmeron

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5796

Dynamics of Layering Transitions in Confined Liquids

F. Mugele and M. Salmeron

Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 5796 – Published 19 June 2000

Abstract

Multiple beam interferometry and video microscopy were used to investigate the layering transition of thin liquid films of 1-undecanol confined between atomically smooth mica surfaces. The expulsion of a molecularly thin lubricant layer was followed directly in two dimensions. Overall, the dynamics of the transition follows theoretical predictions based on two-dimensional hydrodynamics. Frequently, pockets of liquid remain trapped inside the contact area at the end of the transition. The trapped pockets undergo shape transformations to minimize elastic and interfacial energy.

Received 1 November 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5796

Authors & Affiliations

F. Mugele^* and M. Salmeron^†

Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720

^*Present address: Abteilung Angewandte Physik, Universitaet Ulm, Albert Einstein Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany.Electronic address: frieder.mugele@physik.uni-ulm.de
^†To whom correspondence should be addressed.Electronic address: salmeron@stm.lbl.gov