Observation of slip flow in thermophoresis.

Two differing theories aim to describe fluidic thermophoresis, the movement of particles along a temperature gradient. While thermodynamic approaches rely on local equilibrium, hydrodynamic descriptions assume a quasi-slip-flow boundary condition at the particle's surface. Evidence for slip flow is presented for the case of thermal gradients exceeding (aS_(T)(-1) with particle radius a and Soret coefficient S_(T). Thermophoretic slip flow at spheres near a surface attracts or repels tracer particles perpendicular to the thermal gradient. Moreover, particles mutually attract and form colloidal crystals. Fluid dynamic slip explains the latter quantitatively.