Nanoparticle Detachment Using Shock Waves

Abstract

The fundamentals of nanoparticle detachment at the sub-100nm level using pulsed laser-induced plasma (LIP) shock waves are investigated in the current study. Two detachment mechanisms based on rolling resistance moment and rolling by resonant frequency excitation are identified as possible detachment mechanisms for nanoparticles. The gas molecule-nanoparticle interactions are studied using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method to gain knowledge about the nature of the detachment forces and moments acting on a nanoparticle in the LIP shock wave field. The discrete nature of the gas molecules colliding with the particle on the sub-100 nm length scale is linked to the stochastic transient moment experienced by the particle. Both experimental and computational findings of the current study indicate that nanoparticle detachment at the sub-100 nm level is possible by LIP shock waves.