Objective
When focusing a laser pulse in a liquid, a vapor bubble can instantaneously (< 1μs) be produced.
We have generated such vapor bubbles in a liquid-filled coated micro-capillary (diameter
≈ 50μm). Remarkably, in about one microsecond after vapor bubble formation, an ultra-high-speed, ultra-sharp, focused liquid micro-jet emerged out of the meniscus at the end of the micro-capillary.
Even with laser pulse energies comparable to those used in laser-pointers, we have reached spectacular supersonic velocities up to 800 m/s. The diameter of the jets was a few micrometers, more than 10 times smaller than the diameter of the micro-capillary. These supersonic ultra-sharp microjets have tremendous application perspectives for needle-free injection of vaccines and drugs for both humans and animals. The objective of this proposal is to verify the innovation potential of this idea.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
ERC-2011-PoC
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Funding Scheme
CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept)Host institution
7522 NB Enschede
Netherlands