The structural characterization of microgels at interfaces is fundamental to understand both their 2D phase behavior and role as stabilizers that enable emulsions be broken on demand. However, this usually limited by available experimental techniques, which do not allow a direct investigation interfaces. To overcome difficulty, here we employ neutron reflectometry, allows us probe the structure responsiveness in-situ air-water interface. We investigate two types with different cross-link...

As lateral compression is applied, microgel particles with different softness exhibit distinct behaviours. Hard microgels (green particles) are pushed away from the air–water interface, whereas soft ones (orange less deformed.

Soft pair potentials predict a reentrant liquid phase for high concentrations, behavior not observed experimentally. Here, very soft microgels confined at an oil-water interface are used as model system of particles interacting via potential in two dimensions (2D). Interfacial rheology measurements demonstrate the existence different flow regimes that depend on compression monolayer. Such also leads to non-monotonic variation elastic moduli and yield stress These results, together with...

The role of electrostatics on the interfacial properties polyelectrolyte microgels has been discussed controversially in literature. It is not yet clear if, or how, Coulomb interactions affect their behavior under confinement. In this work, we combine compression isotherms, atomic force microscopy imaging, and computer simulations to further investigate pH-responsive at oil–water interfaces. At low compression, charged can be compressed more than uncharged microgels. in-plane effective area...

The phase behavior of supersoft spheres is explored using solutions ultralow cross-linked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels as a model system. For these microgels, the effects electric charges on their surfaces can be neglected and therefore only role softness investigated. samples show liquid-to-crystal transition at higher volume fraction with respect to both hard stiffer microgels. Furthermore, stable body centered cubic (bcc) crystals are observed in addition expected face...

Anisotropic, submicrometer-sized particles are versatile systems providing interesting features in creating ordering two-dimensional systems. Combining hard ellipsoids with a soft shell further enhances the opportunities to trigger and control order alignment. In this work, we report rich 2D phase behavior show how softness affects of anisotropic at fluid oil-water interfaces. Three different core-shell were synthesized such that they have same elliptical hematite-silica core but differ...

In situ interfacial rheology and numerical simulations are used to investigate microgel monolayers in a wide range of packing fractions, ${\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{2D}$. The heterogeneous particle compressibility determines two flow regimes characterized by distinct master curves. To mimic the architecture reproduce experiments, an interaction potential combining soft shoulder with Hertzian model is introduced. contrast bulk conditions, elastic moduli vary nonmonotonically...

The magnetic-field fluctuation thermometer (MFFT) is a noise that has been developed for thermometry in sub-Kelvin refrigerators. Meaningful MFFT operation requires prior measurement at one known temperature the range of operation. From this reference set calibration parameters determined characterizes thermometer. Aiming improving quality and extending its acceptance, we have setup procedure measurements temperatures directly traceable to PLTS-2000. allow assessment methods determine...

SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) microscopes are versatile instruments for biosensing applications, in particular magnetic nanoparticle detection immunoassay experiments. We developing a microscope based on an HTS rf magnetometer sensor with substrate resonator. For the cryogenic set-up, configuration was realized which cryostat is continuously refilled and kept at constant liquid nitrogen level by isolated tube connection to large reservoir. The mounted top of sapphire...

The softness of microgels depends on many aspects, such as particle characteristic lengths, sample concentration, chemical composition the sample, and elastic moduli particle. Here, response to crowding ionic is studied. Charged uncharged are studied in concentrated suspensions both neutral with same swollen size. combination small-angle X-ray neutron scattering contrast variation allows us probe particle-to-particle arrangement individual crowding. When uncharged, initial isotropic...

Incorporating gold nanoparticles within a pH-responsive hydrogel enables the surface plasmon resonance signal and metal-induced fluorescence quenching to be used study local network structure probe gel swelling remotely.

Microgels are confined to fluid interfaces in numerous applications, yet many aspects of the microgel-covered interface remain unclear. In this work, we use interfacial shear and dilatational rheology study effects electrostatics on mechanical characteristics polyelectrolyte microgel monolayers at oil-water as a function concentration. We find clear correlation between influence charges properties their two-dimensional phase behavior. At lower concentrations, moduli uncharged larger than...

Deformable colloids and macromolecules adsorb at interfaces, as they decrease the interfacial energy between two media. The deformability, or softness, of these particles plays a pivotal role in properties interface. In this study, we employ comprehensive \emph{in situ} approach, combining neutron reflectometry with molecular dynamics simulations, to thoroughly examine profound influence softness on structure microgel Langmuir monolayers under compression. Lateral compression both hard soft...

In situ interfacial rheology and numerical simulations are used to investigate microgel monolayers in a wide range of packing fractions, $\zeta_{2D}$. The heterogeneous particle compressibility determines two flow regimes characterized by distinct master curves. To mimic the architecture reproduce experiments, an interaction potential combining soft shoulder with Hertzian model is introduced. contrast bulk conditions, elastic moduli vary non-monotonically $\zeta_{2D}$ at interface,...

We have investigated the rf-SQUID and its coupling to tank circuit configurations achieve an optimal front-end assembly for sensitive high spatial resolution magnetic imaging systems.The investigation on YBCO conventional LC circuits revealed that from back of SQUID substrate enhances signal while facilitating configuration.The thickness material between is 0.4mm LaAlO 3 resulting in increase flux-voltage transfer function signal, V spp , 1.5 times, 0.5 mm SrTiO with 1.62 times compared...