A Breakthrough in Wave Speed

Capillary waves—ripples like those formed by raindrops on a puddle—have long fascinated scientists for their role in understanding fluid surfaces. These waves are particularly valuable in studying soft materials and biological systems, especially in microfluidic applications that analyze fluid behavior on a microscopic scale.

Figure 1. Record-Breaking Wave Speed—45x Faster Than Before!

Now, researchers from Aalto University’s Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Applied Physics have made a groundbreaking discovery. By uncovering new properties of capillary waves, they have shattered previous speed records, redefining our understanding of wave dynamics. Figure 1 shows Record-Breaking Wave Speed—45x Faster Than Before!

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Superhydrophobic Surfaces and Their Secret Gas Layer

To achieve this breakthrough, an interdisciplinary team led by Assistant Professor Heikki Nieminen and Professor Robin Ras designed a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves. This surface, made from an ultra-water-repellent material known as a superhydrophobic surface, traps a microscopic gas layer—called a plastron—when submerged. This gas layer not only protects the surface from corrosion and contamination but also enhances its hydrodynamic properties.

Aiming to deepen the understanding of superhydrophobicity, the team examined how the plastron responds to highly focused ultrasound. In the process, they generated ripples unlike any seen before—waves they named "plastronic waves."

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Speeding Past the Limits of Capillary Waves

“Plastronic waves traveled along the water, the superhydrophobic surface, and the gas layer 45 times faster than traditional capillary waves,” says Assistant Professor Heikki Nieminen.

But setting a wave speed record is only part of the breakthrough. These waves also provide a new way to monitor the stability of the plastron—a critical yet delicate gas layer that plays a key role in superhydrophobicity.

“Superhydrophobicity depends on the plastron’s stability, which opens new possibilities for submerged applications, from extending equipment lifespan to improving efficiency in industrial and biomedical settings,” explains Postdoctoral Researcher Maxime Fauconnier, the study’s first author. “Our technique offers a more precise way to monitor this gas layer than ever before.”

Potential Applications in Biotechnology

Beyond advancing fundamental science, this discovery opens the door for applications in biotechnology and materials science.

“We demonstrated that by tracking wave speed variations over time, we can monitor how the plastron evolves and gradually dissolves into the water,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Maxime Fauconnier. “This system could function as a sensor in various applications, including pharmacology and cell technology.”

Source: SciTECHDaily

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025),” Scientists Break Wave Speed Records—45x Faster Than Ever!", AnaTechmaz, pp. 139