Figure 1: Droplet sustainer.
From: Water-walled microfluidics for high-optical finesse cavities
(a) A silica stem is plasma treated to modify its hydrophilicity. A water microdroplet is then formed near the stem’s end ((b) right) while in fluidic contact with a water reservoir ((b) left) via a nano water bridge covering the stem ((b) centre). (c) Micrograph of the drop together with its calculated mode (inset). (d) The bridged droplet maintained its shape for 16 h. (e) Control group: evaporation of a non-bridged droplet on a plate. Vertical and horizontal configurations were equivalent here, since gravity is negligible when compared with surface tension.
