Detection of elementary charges on colloidal particles

Phys Rev Lett. 2008 May 30;100(21):218301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.218301. Epub 2008 May 29.

Abstract

We have succeeded in determining the charge of individual colloidal particles with resolution higher than the elementary charge. The number of elementary charges on a particle is obtained from the analysis of optical tracking data of weakly charged silica spheres in an electric field in a nonpolar medium. The analysis also yields an accurate value of the particle size. Measurement of the charge as a function of time reveals events in which the particle loses or gains an elementary charge due to ionization or recombination processes at the surface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Diffusion
  • Electrophoresis
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Colloids
  • Silicon Dioxide