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Synchronized droplet nozzle for in-vacuum X-ray scattering experiments.

Adil Ansari^1,2,3, Roberto C Alvarez², Konstantinos Karpos²

¹School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA. adil.ansari@asu.edu.

|October 10, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed 3D-printed gas dynamic virtual nozzles (GDVN) for precise liquid microdroplet generation. This technology enhances sample delivery efficiency at X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facilities by synchronizing droplets with X-ray pulses.

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Area of Science:

Physics
Materials Science
Chemical Physics

Background:

Liquid microjets are crucial for sample delivery in X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) experiments.
Continuous jets lead to significant sample waste, especially for precious or difficult-to-produce samples.
Improved sample delivery efficiency is needed to optimize XFEL experimental throughput.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel droplet generation system for efficient sample delivery at XFELs.
To achieve precise synchronization of liquid microdroplets with external triggers.
To minimize sample waste and enhance experimental efficiency.

Main Methods:

Development of 3D-printed gas dynamic virtual nozzles (GDVN).
Demonstration of 1 kHz droplet ejection synchronized via piezoelectric transduction.
Utilizing a co-flowing helium sheath gas for vacuum ejection or atmospheric operation.
Implementation of a control system for enhanced synchronization accuracy.

Main Results:

Successful generation of periodic liquid microdroplets synchronized with a 1 kHz trigger.
Achieved synchronization where 60% of droplet positions were within 25% of the droplet diameter.
Demonstrated operation in vacuum (minimizing X-ray scatter) and at atmospheric pressure.
Numerical simulations validated experimental data, revealing meniscus recirculation and synchronization dynamics.

Conclusions:

3D-printed GDVN offers an efficient method for synchronized microdroplet generation.
The system significantly improves sample delivery efficiency for XFEL applications.
The technology is adaptable for minimal modification at existing XFEL and synchrotron end-stations.