Cooperative Symmetry Breaking from One to Three Dimensions in Multi-Component Double Emulsions

ORAL

Abstract

We follow the evolution of aqueous inner drops confined in a thin sheath of oil in the dimensional crossover from one to three dimensions using a fast camera and microfluidics. Surprisingly, inner drops interact cooperatively to pair with their next nearest neighbor to transform their linear configuration into a three dimensional composite sphere. The measured time scales of transforming these multi-component double emulsions are investigated as a function of number, size, and composition of inner drops. We model the dynamics to understand and predict how both folding and buckling occur in these complex microfluidic systems.

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Authors

  • Laura Adams

    • Physics Department and SEAS Harvard University

  • Jacy Bird

    • Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University

  • Jaiwei Yang

    • SEAS Harvard University

  • Thomas Franke

    • Microfluidic Group, EPI, Universtat Augsburg, Universitatsstr 1, Augsburg, Germany and Harvard University

  • Vinothan N. Manoharan

    • School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
    • Harvard SEAS and Physics
    • Harvard University
    • Physics Department and SEAS Harvard University
    • Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Department of Physics
    • Harvard
    • Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Dept. of Physics

  • David Weitz

    • Harvard University
    • Dept. of Physics \& SEAS, Harvard University
    • Physics Department and SEAS Harvard University