Droplets capped with an elastic film can be round, elliptical, or nearly square
Abstract
We present experiments which show that the partial wetting of droplets capped
by taut elastic films is highly tunable. Adjusting the tension allows the
contact angle and droplet morphology to be controlled. By exploiting these
elastic boundaries, droplets can be made elliptical, with an adjustable aspect
ratio, and can even be transformed into a nearly square shape. This system can
be used to create tunable liquid lenses, and moreover, presents a unique
approach to liquid patterning.