Physics in Drops

Modeling Crystal Growth using Encapsulated Bubble Rafts

Investigating crystal growth while under confinement is possible using encapsulated hexagonal bubble rafts.  These are ideal model systems to explore crystal growth as it progresses from two dimensions to three dimensions in a frictionless environment. We can encapsulate as few or as many drops that we want inside another drop with microfluidics and record their self-assembly with fast cameras. We can study the motion of “atoms” that rearrange to form crystalline structures or follow pockets that lead to plastic deformation. We can also investigate the ordering of "atoms" at the spherical interface. Atoms are represented by orange water drops and held together by capillary attraction forces. These forces represent the binding forces of electrons in a metal.