Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
Published on: September 9, 2022
Optical Surface Tension Measurement of Two-Dimensionally Confined Liquid Surfaces
Myungwha Chung1,2, Christian Pigot3, Sebastian Volz3,4
1Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo , 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
Abstract:
Surface tension measurement based on spontaneous capillary wave resonance in confined micrometer-sized liquid interfaces was demonstrated. A single-beam quasi-elastic laser scattering method was used to detect the resonance. Characteristic resonant modes were observed on a 44-μm-sized circular water surface. The frequencies of the peaks agreed well with those simulated by assuming planar resonance, and the relationship was further confirmed for triangular, square, and pentagonal water surfaces. Then, the applicability of the method was successfully demonstrated by surface tension measurements of aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The sensitive detection of capillary resonance opens new possibilities for the chemical and biochemical analysis of liquid interfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Surface Tension of Fluid
Surface tension varies...
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Surface Tension and Surface Energy
Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
Excess Pressure Inside a Drop and a Bubble
Contact Angle
The adhesive force is the molecular force between molecules of different materials, that is, between the molecules of the solid and the liquid. The cohesive...
Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface

