Analysis of single quantum-dot mobility inside 1D nanochannel devices.

We visualized individual quantum dots using a combination of a confining nanochannel and an ultra-sensitive microscope system, equipped with a high numerical aperture lens and a highly sensitive camera. The diffusion coefficients of the confined quantum dots were determined from the experimentally recorded trajectories according to the classical diffusion theory for Brownian motion in two dimensions. The calculated diffusion coefficients were three times smaller than those in bulk solution. These observations confirm and extend the results of Eichmann et al (2008 Langmuir 24 714-21) to smaller particle diameters and more narrow confinement. A detailed analysis shows that the observed reduction in mobility cannot be explained by conventional hydrodynamic theory.

Formation of liquid menisci in flexible nanochannels.

In this paper we analyze the characteristic shape of the liquid meniscus at the fluid air interface in nanochannels of less than 80 nm height capped by a flexible membrane. Because of the induced negative pressure difference between the liquid pressure and the pressure outside, the 0.18 microm thin membrane on top of the channels bends downward. This elastocapillary equilibrium between the surface tension of the wetting liquid and the mechanical forces in the capillary results in a very peculiar shape of the interfacial meniscus, visible from the top through the transparent membrane. For increasing deflection of the membrane, the meniscus is seen to protrude along the channel and its curvature changes from concave to convex in the center. We present an analytical model to describe the meniscus shape in the deformed channel for small membrane deflections. We also show that the protrusion length of the meniscus, which can be measured easily, is an accurate and useful indicator for the membrane deflection. Experimental results on nanochannels filled with ethanol and water are presented and the observed menisci are seen to be in good agreement with the proposed model.

Analysis of the performance of a particle velocity sensor between two cylindrical obstructions.

The performance of an acoustic particle velocity sensor that is placed between two cylindrical objects has been analyzed both analytically and by means of finite volume simulations on fluid dynamics. The results are compared with acoustic experiments that show a large magnification of the output signal of the particle velocity sensor due to the mounting of the sensor between two cylinders. The influences of this construction consist of an attenuation of particle velocities at frequencies below a few hertz, whereas signals in the higher frequency range are amplified, up to approximately three times (10 dB) in a frequency range between 50 and 1000 Hz. The theoretical analysis is based on the derivation of the stream function for the situation of two long cylinders immersed in an oscillating incompressible viscous fluid, at low Reynolds numbers. The results lead to an improved insight into the effects of viscosity and fluid flow that play a role in acoustic measurements and open the way for further optimization of the sensitivity of the sensor.