Triple play for liquid probing: Technical advance allows researchers to watch liquid surfaces interact
Monday, April 9, 2012 - 06:30
in Physics & Chemistry
(Phys.org) -- An ingenious technique, developed by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, enables real-time examination of molecular-scale interactions on liquid surfaces. This novel creation combines the manipulation of tiny amounts of fluids, called "microfluidics," and a partially open detection area for imaging the chemical physics of liquid in a vacuum. Their breakthrough portable sample holder enables direct probing of liquids suitable for multi-instrument, vacuum-based imaging using a single sample. The benefits have been demonstrated in high spatial resolution surface microscopy and mass spectrometry instruments.