Capillary Video Microscopy: Visualization of Transport, Reactions and Coalescence

Microscopy on objects inside cylindrical glass capillaries with comparable diameters limits two of the three degrees of freedom of movement of the particles and drops under observation. Such geometric confinement and the use of micropipettes that move, poke and immobilize drops and particles has provided a way of micromanipulating such particles, and quantifying associated processes. This talk will explain the capillary-video-microscopy technique, and will outline a number of interfacial and colloidal phenomena, seen since the early 1990's to this date. Examples from a variety of applications, such as stability control of double emulsions, transcutaneous vaccine delivery, electrokinetic transport of particles, transport through porous media, bacterial swimming, and the improved formulation of engine lubricants will be illustrated.