Molding, patterning and driving liquids with light

Feng Lin, Aamir Nasir Quraishy, Runjia Li, Guang Yang, Mohammadjavad Mohebinia, Tian Tong, Yi Qiu, Talari Vishal, Junyi Zhao, Wei Zhang, Hong Zhong, Hang Zhang, Chaofu Zhou, Xin Tong, Peng Yu, Jonathan Hu, Suchuan Dong, Dong Liu, Zhiming Wang, John R. SchaibleyJiming Bao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

When a laser beam induces surface tension gradient at the free surface of a liquid, a weak surface depression is expected and has been observed. Here we report giant depression and rupture in “optothermocapillary fluids” under the illumination of laser and sunlight. Computational fluid dynamics models were developed to understand the surface deformation and provided desirable physical parameters of the fluid for maximum deformation. New optothermocapillary fluids were created by mixing transparent lamp oil with different candle dyes. They can be cut open by sunlight and be patterned to different shapes and sizes using an ordinary laser show projector or a common laser pointer. Laser driving and elevation of optothermocapillary fluids, in addition to the manipulation of different droplets on their surface, were demonstrated as an efficient controlling method and platform for optofluidic operations. The fundamental understanding of light-induced giant depression and creation of new optothermocapillary fluids encourage the fundamental research and applications of optofluidics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)48-55
Number of pages8
JournalMaterials Today
Volume51
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Laser remote manipulation
  • Marangoni convection
  • Optical molding and patterning
  • Optothermocapillary fluids
  • Surface deformation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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