Multimodal Sensing Transparent Droplet Probe for Characterization of Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Natural and artificial superhydrophobic surfaces are a rapidly growing topic in both academia industry due to their unique properties applications. Numerous techniques have been developed characterize the wetting of such surfaces, as optical contact angle goniometer, force-based methods, microscopic for visualizing interface. However, method that combines nN resolution force measurement with direct observation interface on opaque is missing. Here, we report high-sensitivity multimodal force-sensing transparent droplet probe characterization allows simultaneous visualization interaction forces. The composed glass cantilever attached its end. During sample, directly imaged through probe, illuminated coaxial lighting. simultaneously measured deflection cantilever-shaped probe. By combining top-view, side-view, high-resolution sensing, can reveal contributions from surface tension Laplace pressure, measure super-repellent angles near 180 ° low experimental uncertainty 0.5 °.