Abstract
The binary coalescence of aqueous droplets has been observed in a single-beam gradient-force optical trap. By measuring the time-dependent intensity for elastic scattering of light from the trapping laser, the dynamics of binary coalescence have been examined and the time scale for equilibration of a composite droplet to ambient conditions has been determined. These data are required for modeling the agglomeration of aqueous droplets in dense sprays and atmospheric aerosol. Elastic-light scattering from optically trapped particles has not been used previously to study the time-resolved dynamics of mixing. It is shown to offer a unique opportunity to characterize the binary coalescence of aqueous droplets with radii from 1 to 6 μm. The study of this size regime, which cannot be achieved by conventional imaging methods, is critical for understanding the interactions of droplets in the environment of dense sprays.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 8873-8884 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry A |
| Volume | 116 |
| Issue number | 35 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Sept 2012 |
Bibliographical note
Erratum: "observation of the binary coalescence and equilibration of micrometer-sized droplets of aqueous aerosol in a single-beam gradient-force optical trap" (Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2012) 116: 35 (8873-8884) DOI: 10.1021/jp304929t)A. Almohamedi's name was misspelled in the published article. The correct spelling is “A. Almohammedi”.