Ordering of the nanoscale step morphology as a mechanism for droplet self-propulsion
In: Nano Letters, Vol. 9 (2009), pp. 2710 - 2714
Title:
Ordering of the nanoscale step morphology as a mechanism for droplet self-propulsion
Author:
Hilner, Emelie;Zakharov, Alexei A.;Schulte, Karina;Kratzer, PeterUDE
- GND
- 1266252894
- LSF ID
- 14826
- ORCID
-
0000-0001-5947-1366
- Other
- connected with university
Year of publication:
2009
Appears in
Title in English (abbreviated):
Nano Lett.
Place of publication:
Washington
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)
in:
Vol. 9 (2009), pp. 2710 - 2714
ISSN
ISSN
ZDB ID
Abstract:
We establish a new mechanism for self-propelled motion of droplets, in which ordering of the nanoscale step morphology by sublimation beneath the droplets themselves acts to drive them perpendicular and up the surface steps. The mechanism is demonstrated and explored for Ga droplets on GaP(111)B, using several experimental techniques allowing studies of the structure and dynamics from micrometers to the atomic scale. We argue that the simple assumptions underlying the propulsion mechanism make it relevant for a wide variety of materials systems.