title: Dynamics of layering transitions in confined liquids.
abstract: Multiple beam interferometry and video microscopy were used to investigate the layering transition of thin liquid films of 1-undecanol confined between atomically smooth mica surfaces. The expulsion of a molecularly thin lubricant layer was followed directly in two dimensions. Overall, the dynamics of the transition follows theoretical predictions based on two-dimensional hydrodynamics. Frequently, pockets of liquid remain trapped inside the contact area at the end of the transition. The trapped pockets undergo shape transformations to minimize elastic and interfacial energy.
authors.affiliation: Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. frieder.mugele@physik.uni-ulm.de
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mugele
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salmeron