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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

In Situ Characterization of Hydrated Proteins in Water by SALVI and ToF-SIMS

In Situ Characterization of Hydrated Proteins in Water by SALVI and ToF-SIMS

Published on: February 15, 2016

Probing liquid surfaces under vacuum using SEM and ToF-SIMS.

Li Yang¹, Xiao-Ying Yu, Zihua Zhu

¹Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA.

|June 15, 2011

Summary

A novel microfluidic interface enables direct analysis of high-vapor pressure liquid surfaces within vacuum instruments. This wire-free system uses surface tension to maintain liquid integrity, simplifying in situ chemical analysis.

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

In Situ Characterization of Hydrated Proteins in Water by SALVI and ToF-SIMS

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Published on: February 15, 2016

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Published on: June 16, 2014

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Surface Science
Microfluidics

Background:

Analyzing liquid surfaces under vacuum presents challenges due to high vapor pressures.
Existing methods often require complex sample preparation or external connections.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a self-contained interface for direct in situ analysis of high-vapor pressure liquid surfaces in vacuum instruments.
To overcome limitations of current techniques by eliminating external connections.

Main Methods:

A microfluidic channel with a 3 μm window was designed to interface liquid surfaces with vacuum.
The interface utilizes liquid surface tension to support the fluid against vacuum pressure.
The system was integrated and tested with a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Main Results:

The microfluidic interface successfully maintained liquid integrity under vacuum conditions.
It significantly reduced the vapor density region encountered by analytical probe beams to only a few microns.
Demonstrated feasibility for in situ chemical analysis of liquid surfaces using ToF-SIMS and SEM.

Conclusions:

The developed microfluidic interface offers a robust and simplified approach for analyzing volatile liquid surfaces.
This technology enables direct, high-resolution chemical characterization of liquid interfaces within vacuum environments.
The wire-free, self-contained design enhances applicability for various vacuum-based analytical techniques.