Nanoscale friction of lubricated rough and patterned surfaces

Short- and long range interfacial forces, and the properties of nanoscale liquid films, are of utmost importance in many geophysical applications. At the center for the Physics of Geological Processes (PGP), we have during the recent years made progress i n understanding microscale processes such as confined crystallization and chemically driven crack growth through experimental and numerical methods. However, a more complete understanding of these processes requires a nanoscale approach. One of the best e xperimental methods for investigating interfacial forces and the nanoscale properties of thin liquid films is the use of the surface forces apparatus (SFA), which has to a large extent been developed by the group of Professor Jacob Israelachvili at the Un iversity of California in Santa Barbara. Professor Israelachvili is also one of the world's leading scientists in the theoretical treatment of interfacial surface forces. There is currently no SFA facility in Norway, and we are aiming to acquire an instru ment for use at PGP, which I will use as the main experimental tool in my research in the coming years. In order to gain the competence necessary to establish this lab at PGP, and as part of a larger group effort to extend our nanoscale research competenc e, I propose to spend three months working at Professor Israelachvili's Interfacial Sciences Lab. The principle aim of the visit will be to learn the SFA technique through hands-on experience. In order to maximize the learning outcome of this visit, I wil l join an ongoing project in the group, looking at nanoscale friction of lubricated rough and patterned surfaces. This will allow me to learn how to perform static and dynamic force measurements in fluid environments, as well as methods for the fabricatio n and use of patterned surfaces in the SFA. These techniques will be highly relevant to my further experimental studies on nanoscale geological interfaces.