A novel method is presented for the rapid direct 3D visualization of the contact between two surfaces by means of fluorescence microscopy using a fluorescent liquid. Distances between the surfaces of up to several hundred nanometers can be determined with subnanometer accuracy in 3D and within seconds of measurement time. The method opens new possibilities for research in the areas of contact mechanics, friction, wear, and lubrication.

ACS
NWO , ERC
doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b15660
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Nanophotochemistry-Former Group

Petrova, D., Weber, B., Allain, C., Audebert, P., Bonn, D., & Brouwer, A. (2018). Fast 3D Microscopy Imaging of Contacts Between Surfaces Using a Fluorescent Liquid. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 10(48), 40973–40977. doi:10.1021/acsami.8b15660