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This work discusses nuclear magnetic relaxation effects in glycerol subject to a strong electric field. The methods used are 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), referenced by 9.4 T nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). While MRI allows a glycerol probe to be sampled with a high voltage (HV) of 16 kV applied to the probe, NMR provides precise molecular data from the sample, but the sample cannot be tested under HV. Using MRI, the recording of magnetic relaxation times was possible while HV was applied to the glycerol. NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm that MRI provides a reasonably accurate estimation of temperature. The applied HV was observed to have a negligible effect on the spin–lattice relaxation time T1, which represents the energy release to the thermal bath or system enthalpy. In contrast to that, the spin–spin relaxation time T2, which does represent the local entropy of the system, shows a lower response to temperature while the liquid is electrically stressed. These observations point toward a proton population in electrically stressed glycerol that is more mobile than that found in the bulk, an observation that is in agreement with previously published results for water.

A horizontal electrohydrodynamic (EHD) liquid bridge (also known as a “floating water bridge”) is a phenomenon that forms when high voltage DC (kV·cm−1) is applied to pure water in two separate beakers. The bridge, a free-floating connection between the beakers, acts as a cylindrical lens and refracts light. Using an interferometric set-up with a line pattern placed in the background of the bridge, the light passing through is split into a horizontally and a vertically polarized component which are both projected into the image space in front of the bridge with a small vertical offset (shear). Apart from a 100 Hz waviness due to a resonance effect between the power supply and vortical structures at the onset of the bridge, spikes with an increased refractive index moving through the bridge were observed. These spikes can be explained by an electrically induced liquid–liquid phase transition in which the vibrational modes of the water molecules couple coherently.

In this work, we present a feasibility study of integrated optofluidic chips to measure the ionic content in water using differential absorption spectroscopy. The second overtone of the OH-stretch vibration of water is used as indicator for both the type and concentration of the dissolved ions. The optofluidic chips are based on silicon nitride (TripleX) containing Mach&ndash, Zehnder interferometers (MZI) with two 5 cm sensing paths for the sample and reference arms, respectively. Simulations show that, theoretically, the determination of both the type and concentration of a mixture of four electrolytes is possible with the techniques presented. However, the performance of the chips deviated from the expected results due to the insufficient reproducibility and precision in the fabrication process. Therefore, at this early stage, the chips presented here could only determine the ion concentration, but not differentiate between the different ion types. Still, this work represents the first steps towards the realization of an online and real-time sensor of ionic content in water.

Integrated optofluidic absorption spectroscopy has the potential to be used in the real-time identification and quantification of ionic content in drinking water. Such an approach requires single mode operation in combination with low propagation and bend losses. The design criteria for the realization of an integrated Near-infrared (NIR) sensor platform fabricated using silicon waveguide based technology is presented. The cross-section of TriPleX waveguides was optimized for a spectral region between 940 and 1040nm. The waveguide structure provides single mode operation, high sensitivity combined with reasonable tolerance for fabrication deviations and

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: In all instances mentioning “2 kG·m−1”, these gradients should be replaced by “770 G·m−1 (WCM 62081992) and 740 G·m−1 (WCM 62083545)”: Abstract, page 1, line 4; Chapter 1 [...]

We have measured the quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) of an electrohydrodynamic liquid bridge formed between two beakers of pure water when a high voltage is applied, a setup allowing to investigate water under high-voltage without high currents. From this experiment two proton populations were distinguished: one consisting of protons strongly bound to oxygen atoms (immobile population, elastic component) and a second one of quasi-free protons (mobile population, inelastic component) both detected by QENS. The diffusion coefficient of the quasi-free protons was found to be D = (26 ± 10) × 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1) with a jump length lav ∼ 3 Å and an average residence time of τ0 = 0.55 ± 0.08 ps. The associated proton mobility in the proton channel of the bridge is ∼9.34 × 10(-7) m(2) V(-1) s(-1), twice as fast as diffusion-based proton mobility in bulk water. It also matches the so-called electrohydrodynamic or "apparent" charge mobility, an experimental quantity which so far has lacked molecular interpretation. These results further corroborate the proton channel model for liquid water under high voltage and give new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind electrohydrodynamic charge transport phenomena and delocalization of protons in liquid water.

Biofouling causes performance loss in spiral wound nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane operation for process and drinking water production. The development of biofilm formation, structure and detachment was studied in-situ, non-destructively with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in direct relation with the hydraulic biofilm resistance and membrane performance parameters: transmembrane pressure drop (TMP) and feed-channel pressure drop (FCP). The objective was to evaluate the suitability of OCT for biofouling studies, applying a membrane biofouling test cell operated at constant crossflow velocity (0.1 m s(-1)) and permeate flux (20 L m(-2)h(-1)). In time, the biofilm thickness on the membrane increased continuously causing a decline in membrane performance. Local biofilm detachment was observed at the biofilm-membrane interface. A mature biofilm was subjected to permeate flux variation (20 to 60 to 20 L m(-2)h(-1)). An increase in permeate flux caused a decrease in biofilm thickness and an increase in biofilm resistance, indicating biofilm compaction. Restoring the original permeate flux did not completely restore the original biofilm parameters: After elevated flux operation the biofilm thickness was reduced to 75% and the hydraulic resistance increased to 116% of the original values. Therefore, after a temporarily permeate flux increase the impact of the biofilm on membrane performance was stronger. OCT imaging of the biofilm with increased permeate flux revealed that the biofilm became compacted, lost internal voids, and became more dense. Therefore, membrane performance losses were not only related to biofilm thickness but also to the internal biofilm structure, e.g. caused by changes in pressure. Optical Coherence Tomography proved to be a suitable tool for quantitative in-situ biofilm thickness and morphology studies which can be carried out non-destructively and in real-time in transparent membrane biofouling monitors.

Protein–water interaction plays a crucial role in protein dynamics and hence function. To study the chemical environment of water and proteins with high spatial resolution, synchrotron radiation-Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy was used to probe skeletal muscle myofibrils. Observing the OH stretch band showed that water inside of relaxed myofibrils is extensively hydrogen-bonded with little or no free OH. In higher-resolution measurements obtained with single isolated myofibrils, the water absorption peaks were relatively higher within the center region of the sarcomere compared to those in the I-band region, implying higher hydration capacity of thick filaments compared to the thin filaments. When specimens were activated, changes in the OH stretch band showed significant dehydrogen bonding of muscle water; this was indicated by increased absorption at ∼3480 cm–1 compared to relaxed myofibrils. These contraction-induced changes in water were accompanied by splitting of the amide I (C=O) peak, implying that muscle proteins transition from α-helix to β-sheet-rich structures. Hence, muscle contraction can be characterized by a loss of order in the muscle–protein complex, accompanied by a destructuring of hydration water. The findings shed fresh light on the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction and motor protein dynamics.

A modified version of the membrane fouling simulator (MFS) was developed for assessment of (i) hydraulic biofilm resistance, (ii) performance parameters feed-channel pressure drop and transmembrane pressure drop, and (iii) in situ spatial visual and optical observations of the biofilm in the transparent monitor, e.g. using optical coherence tomography. The flow channel height equals the feed spacer thickness enabling operation with and without feed spacer. The effective membrane surface area was enlarged from 80 to 200 cm2 by increasing the monitor width compared to the standard MFS, resulting in larger biomass amounts for analysis. By use of a microfiltration membrane (pore size 0.05 μm) in the monitor salt concentration polarization is avoided, allowing operation at low pressures enabling accurate measurement of the intrinsic hydraulic biofilm resistance. Validation tests on e.g. hydrodynamic behavior, flow field distribution, and reproducibility showed that the small-sized monitor was a represe...

When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with water or polar liquid dielectrica, a horizontal bridge forms between the two beakers. This experiment was first carried out by Lord Armstrong in 1893 and then forgotten until recently. Such bridges are stable by the action of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces caused by electric field gradients counteracting gravity. Due to these gradients a permanent pumping of liquid from one beaker into the other is observed. At macroscopic scale several of the properties of a horizontal water bridge can be explained by modern electrohydrodynamics, analyzing the motion of fluids in electric fields. Whereas on the molecular scale water can be described by quantum mechanics, there is a conceptual gap at mesoscopic scale which is bridged by a number of theories including quantum mechanical entanglement and coherent structures in water – theories that we discuss here. Much of the phenomenon is already understood, but even more can still be learned from it, since such “floating” liquid bridges resemble a small high voltage laboratory of their own: The physics of liquids in electric fields of some kV/cm can be studied, even long time experiments like neutron or light scattering are feasible since the bridge is in a steady-state equilibrium and can be kept stable for hours. It is also an electro-chemical reactor where compounds are transported through by the EHD flow, enabling the study of electrochemical reactions under potentials which are otherwise not easily accessible. Last but not least the bridge provides the experimental biologist with the opportunity to expose living organisms such as bacteria to electric fields without killing them, but with a significant influence on their behavior, and possibly, even on their genome.

In this experiment liquid water is subject to an inhomogeneous electric field (${\nabla}^2 E_a {\approx} 10^{10} \frac{V}{m^2}$ ) using a high voltage (20 kV) point-plane electrode system. With interferometry it was found that the application of a strong electric field gradient to water generates local changes in the refractive index of the liquid, polarizes the surface and creates a downward moving electro-convective jet. A maximum temperature difference of 1 {\deg}C is measured in the immediate vicinity of the point electrode. Raman spectroscopy on water reveals an enhancement of the vibrational collective modes (3250 $cm^{-1}$) as well as an increase in the local mode (3490 $cm^{-1}$) energy. This bimodal enhancement indicates the spectral changes are not due to temperature. The intense field gradient thus establishes an excited subpopulation of vibrational oscillators far from thermal equilibrium. Delocalization of the collective vibrational mode spatially expands this excited population beyond the microscale. Hindered rotational freedom due to electric field pinning of molecular dipoles retards heat flow and generates a chemical potential gradient. These changes are responsible for the observed changes in refractive index and temperature. It is demonstrated that polar liquids can thus support local non-equilibrium thermodynamic transient states critical to biochemical and environmental processes.

In 2012 Coey proposed a theory on the mechanism of magnetic water treatment based on the gradient of the applied field rather than its absolute strength. We tested this theory by measuring the effect of very weak field magnets (≤ 10 G) containing strong magnetic inhomogeneities (ΔB = 770 G·m−1 (WCM 62081992) and 740 G·m−1 (WCM 62083545)) on tap water samples by the use of electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and laser scattering. Our results show an increased formation of nm-sized prenucleation clusters (dynamically ordered liquid like oxyanion polymers or “DOLLOPs”) due to the exposure to the magnetic field and thus are consistent with Coey’s theory which is therefore also applicable to very weak magnetic fields as long as they contain strong gradients.

We report the energy relaxation of the OH stretch vibration of HDO molecules contained in an HDO:D(2)O water bridge using femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy. We found that the vibrational lifetime is shorter (~630 ± 50 fs) than for HDO molecules in bulk HDO:D(2)O (~740 ± 40 fs). In contrast, the thermalization dynamics following the vibrational relaxation are much slower (~1.5 ± 0.4 ps) than in bulk HDO:D(2)O (~250 ± 90 fs). These differences in energy relaxation dynamics strongly indicate that the water bridge and bulk water differ on a molecular scale.

When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with polar liquid dielectrica like water or methanol, a horizontal bridge forms between the two beakers. By repeating a version of Pellat’s experiment, it is shown that a horizontal bridge is stable by the action of electrohydrodynamic pressure. Thus, the static and dynamic properties of the phenomenon called a ‘floating water bridge’ can be explained by the gradient of Maxwell pressure, replenishing the liquid within the bridge against any drainage mechanism. It is also shown that a number of liquids can form stable and long horizontal bridges. The stability of such a connection, and the asymmetry in mass flow through such bridges caused by the formation of ion clouds in the vicinity of the electrodes, is also discussed by two further experiments.

This work is focused on the role of temperature in the de-mixing of absorbance spectra measured in mixed aqueous Na2SO4 and NaNO3 solutions. First, the influence of temperature on the absorbance spectrum of demineralized water was determined. Second, the absorbance spectra of five separate electrolytes (NaNO2, NaNO3, CaCl2, K2CO3, and NaOH) at three temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 50°C) for concentrations ranging from 0.0625 M to 0.5 M were examined. These five electrolytes show similar temperature dependencies. Finally, absorbance spectra of mixed solutions were investigated at temperatures of 5°C, 15°C, 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C for concentrations ranging from 0.0625 M to 0.5 M per electrolyte in the mixture. The spectral window from 650 to 1100 nm was utilized to observe the ionic and temperature influences on the vibrational modes of the OH bond in the solvent molecules. The effects of dissolving Na2SO4 and NaNO3 are nonlinearly cumulative at lower temperatures indicating extended alteration of the water structure beyond the first hydration shell. A similar trend was observed for a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaCl. Furthermore, it was found that higher temperatures are better for recovering the separate component absorption signatures of an electrolyte mixture. The near-infrared spectral regime is well suited for integrated sensing, and therefore these results can help in designing an integrated sensor to identify inorganic species in water.

Interaction between charged surfaces in aqueous solution is a fundamental feature of colloid science. Theoretically, surface potential falls to half its value at a distance equal to a Debye length, which is typically on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. This potential prevents colloids from aggregating. On the other hand, long-range surface effects have been frequently reported. Here we report additional long-range effects. We find that charged latex particles in buffer solutions are uniformly excluded from several-hundred-micron-thick shells surrounding ion-exchange beads. Exclusion is observed whether the beads are charged similarly or oppositely to the particles. Hence, electrostatic interactions between bead and microsphere do not cause particle exclusion. Rather, exclusion may be the consequence of water molecules re-orienting to produce a more ordered structure, which then excludes the particles.

Design and optimization of integrated photonic NIR absorbance based sensors for identification and quantification of aqueous electrolytes was performed by simulation in MATLAB and Optodesigner. Ten designs are presented and compared for suitability.

This study shows two novel fitting strategies applied to differential absorbance spectra for identification and quantification of electrolytes. The effects of 16 dissolved salts were investigated in the wavelength range from 14000 to 9091 wavenumbers (714-1100 nm) by linear fits of the differential absorbance values (Y(υ,c)=offset(υ)+b(υ)×c) recorded for each wavenumber (υ) and concentration (c) ranges from 500 to 30 mM. The slopes (b) of these fits resulted in clear fingerprints of the electrolytes. A narrow bandwidth (10754-9618 wavenumbers) sensor can be created using truth tables resulting from the Gaussian curve fitting method.

Operation of membrane systems for water treatment can be seriously hampered by biofouling. A better characterization of biofilms in membrane systems and their impact on membrane performance may help to develop effective biofouling control strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence, extent and timescale of biofilm compaction and relaxation (decompaction), caused by permeate flux variations. The impact of permeate flux changes on biofilm thickness, structure and stiffness was investigated in situ and non-destructively with optical coherence tomography using membrane fouling monitors operated at a constant crossflow velocity of 0.1 m s−1 with permeate production. The permeate flux was varied sequentially from 20 to 60 and back to 20 L m−2 h−1. The study showed that the average biofilm thickness on the membrane decreased after elevating the permeate flux from 20 to 60 L m−2 h−1 while the biofilm thickness increased again after restoring the original flux of 20 L m−2 h−1, indicating the occurrence of biofilm compaction and relaxation. Within a few seconds after the flux change, the biofilm thickness was changed and stabilized, biofilm compaction occurred faster than the relaxation after restoring the original permeate flux. The initial biofilm parameters were not fully reinstated: the biofilm thickness was reduced by 21%, biofilm stiffness had increased and the hydraulic biofilm resistance was elevated by 16%. Biofilm thickness was related to the hydraulic biofilm resistance. Membrane performance losses are related to the biofilm thickness, density and morphology, which are influenced by (variations in) hydraulic conditions. A (temporarily) permeate flux increase caused biofilm compaction, together with membrane performance losses. The impact of biofilms on membrane performance can be influenced (increased and reduced) by operational parameters. The article shows that a (temporary) pressure increase leads to more compact biofilms with a higher hydraulic resistance.

Horizontal and vertical liquid bridges are simple and powerful tools for exploring the interaction of high intensity electric fields (8-20 kV/cm) and polar dielectric liquids. These bridges are unique from capillary bridges in that they exhibit extensibility beyond a few millimeters, have complex bi-directional mass transfer patterns, and emit non-Planck infrared radiation. A number of common solvents can form such bridges as well as low conductivity solutions and colloidal suspensions. The macroscopic behavior is governed by electrohydrodynamics and provides a means of studying fluid flow phenomena without the presence of rigid walls. Prior to the onset of a liquid bridge several important phenomena can be observed including advancing meniscus height (electrowetting), bulk fluid circulation (the Sumoto effect), and the ejection of charged droplets (electrospray). The interaction between surface, polarization, and displacement forces can be directly examined by varying applied voltage and bridge length. The electric field, assisted by gravity, stabilizes the liquid bridge against Rayleigh-Plateau instabilities. Construction of basic apparatus for both vertical and horizontal orientation along with operational examples, including thermographic images, for three liquids (e.g., water, DMSO, and glycerol) is presented.

Branching of the stalk of Acetabularia acetabulum L. (Silva) was investigated by inbreeding and by a brief treatment of gametangia with a variety of antibiotics. The position of the branch along the stalk varied, implying that branching was not restricted to any one time in development (base is oldest and apex is youngest). The branching phenotype was not inherited in Mendelian fashion. Although three microscopic structures (“bubbles,”“pustules,” and “scars”) occurred on the stalks of cells that had branched, these structures were not statistically correlated with branching in the population (n=699 cells). However, brief treatment of gametangia with a new antibiotic mixture did eliminate all macro- and microscopic structures associated with branching of the stalk in the subsequent generation. We could not fulfill Koch's postulates or provide clear evidence for the pathogenic nature of cell branching. Our brief antibiotic treatment of gametangaa of Acetabularia acetabulum was rapid, had no adverse effects, and virtually eliminated branching (and any potential pathogens) from laboratory cultures in the subsequent generations. Our method allows biochemical and molecular analyses to proceed uncomplicated by the possible presence of other organisms and provides a clean baseline for the future selection of mutations that may induce heritable branching.

Excess positive and negative Bjerrum-defect like charge (protonic and 'aterprotonic', from ancient Greek ἄ'τeρ, 'without') in anolyte and catholyte of high voltage electrolysis of highly pure water was found during the so-called 'floating water bridge' experiment. The floating water bridge is a special case of an electrohydrodynamic liquid bridge and constitutes an intriguing phenomenon that occurs when a high potential difference (~kV cm−1) is applied between two beakers of water. To obtain such results impedance spectroscopy was used. This measurement technique allows the depiction and simulation of complex aqueous systems as simple electric circuits. In the present work we show that there is an additional small contribution from the difference in conductivity between anolyte and catholyte which cannot be measured with a conductivity meter, but is clearly visible in an impedance spectrum.

When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with water, a horizontal electrohydrodynamic (EHD) bridge forms between the two beakers. In this work we study the transport and behavior of bacterial cells added to an EHD bridge set-up. Organisms were added to one or to both beakers, and the transport of the cells through the bridge was monitored using optical and microbiological techniques. It is shown that Escherichia coli top10 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) and bioluminescent E. coli YMC10 with a plasmid (pJE202) containing Vibrio fischeri genes can survive the exposure to an EHD liquid bridge set-up and the cells are drawn toward the anode due to their negative surface charge. Dielectrophoresis and hydrostatic forces are likely to be the cause for their transport in the opposite direction which was observed as well, but to a much lesser extent. Most E. coli YMC10 bacteria which passed the EHD bridge exhibited increased luminescent activity after 24 h. This can be explained by two likely mechanisms: nutrient limitation in the heavier inoculated vials and a 'survival of the strongest' mechanism.

Droplets of various liquids may float on the respective surfaces for extended periods of time prior to coalescence. We explored the features of delayed coalescence in highly purified water. Droplets several millimeters in diameter were released from a nozzle onto a water surface. Results showed that droplets had float times up to hundreds of milliseconds. When the droplets did coalesce, they did so in stepwise fashion, with periods of quiescence interspersed between periods of coalescence. Up to six steps were noted before the droplet finally vanished. Droplets were released in a series, which allowed the detection of unexpected abrupt float-time changes throughout the duration of the series. Factors such as electrostatic charge, droplet size, and sideways motion had considerable effect on droplet lifetime, as did reduction of pressure, which also diminished the number of steps needed for coalescence. On the basis of present observations and recent reports, a possible mechanism for noncoalescence is considered.

This work reports on proton production, transport, reduction and neutralization in floating aqueous bridges under the application of a high dc voltage ('floating water bridge'). Recently possible mechanisms for proton transfer through the bridge were suggested. In this work we visualize and describe the production of protons in the anolyte and their neutralization in the catholyte. Apart from that, protons are reduced to hydrogen due to electrolysis. Microbubbles are detached instantly, due to the electrohydrodynamic flow at the electrode surface. No larger, visible bubbles are formed and the system degasses through the bridge due to its higher local temperature. A detailed analysis of trace elements originating from beaker material, anode or the atmosphere is presented, showing that their influence on the overall conduction compared to the contribution of protons is negligible. Finally, an electrochemical rationale of high voltage electrolysis of low ionic strength solutions is presented.

We report on the infrared emission of aqueous bridges under the application of high dc voltage (‘floating water bridge’) over the range between 400 and 2500 cm−1 (4.0–10.3 µm). Comparison with bulk water of the same temperature reveals an additional broad peak at ∼2200 cm−1 as well as water vapour emission lines. Two complementary explanations are presented for the broad peak: first, a cooperative proton transfer comprising an orientational motion along the direction of conduction is suggested. Second, the electrolysis-less current flow is explained by a proton/defect-proton band mechanism, which is in line with the cooperative proton transfer. The water vapour emissions occur due to collision ionization of space charges with micro- and nano-droplets which are electrosprayed from the liquid/gas interface.

When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with water or polar liquid dielectrica, a horizontal bridge forms between the two beakers. In this work such bridges made of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol are investigated with polarimetry and thermography. Whereas methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol bridges become warm like a water bridge, a 2-propanol bridge cools down relative to the surroundings. It is shown how the different stability of the primary and secondary alcoholate ions and the resulting small difference in conductivity between 1-propanol and 2-propanol is responsible for this novel effect.

International audience; When high voltage is applied to pure water filled into two beakers close to each other, a connection forms spontaneously, giving the impression of a floating water bridge [ 1]-[8 ]. This phenomenon is of special interest, since it comprises a number of phenomena currently tackled in modern water science. In this work, the behavior of this phenomenon under reduced gravity conditions during a parabolic flight is presented by the means of high speed imaging with fringe projection. An analysis of the behavior is presented and compared to theoretical considerations. Supplementary video clips for the sequences shown in figs. 2, 4, 5&6 as well as 7&8 are available. Introduction In 1893 Sir William Armstrong placed a cotton thread between two wine glasses filled with chemically pure water. After applying a high voltage, a watery connection formed between the two glasses, and after some time, the cotton thread was pulled into one of the glasses, leaving, for a few seconds, a rope of water suspended between the lips of the two glasses [ 1 ]. As gimmick from early days of electricity this experiment was handed down through history until the present authors learned about it from W. Uhlig, ETH Zürich [ 2 ]. Although easy to reproduce, this watery 2 connection between the two beakers, which is further referred to as 'floating water bridge ' holds a number of interesting static and dynamic phenomena [ 3]-[8 ]. At macroscopic scale several of these phenomena can be explained by modern electrohydrodynamics, analyzing the motion of fluids in electric fields (see, e.g., the Maxwell pressure tensor considerations by Widom et al. [ 9 ], or the text book on Electrohydodynamics by Castellanos [ 10]). On the molecular scale water can be described by quantum mechanics (e.g. [ 11 ], [ 12]). The gap at mesoscopic scale is bridged by a number of theories including quantum mechanical entanglement and coherent structures in water, theories which are currently discussed (e.g. [ 13]-[17 ] for water in general, and [ 18 ] specifically for the water bridge). Previous experiments [ 3 ] suggested a possible change of the water micro structure inside the water bridge ; first neutron scattering experiments [ 5 ] showed no difference in the microdensity of a D 2 O bridge compared to the bulk ; recent 2D neutron scattering experiments [ 6 ] indicated a preferred molecular orientation within a floating heavy water bridge ; detailed optical investigations [ 7 ] suggested the existence of a mesoscopic bubble network within the water bridge ; and a Raman scattering study on vertical water bridges reported on a polarized water structure induced by the electric field [ 19 ]. A comprehensive review about water bridge research was published recently [ 20 ]. The properties of water at mesoscopic scales have drawn special attention due to their suggested importance to human physiology [ 21 ]. In this work, the first reduced gravity experiments with the floating water bridge are presented. The data gathered with high speed imaging and fringe projection are discussed, the overall behavior is described and compared to theoretical considerations. Experimental The experiments were carried out onboard the PH-NLZ Fairchild Metro II Research Aircraft of the NLR (Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium - The National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands), Hangar 3, Schiphol, on a specially designed set-up (see Fig. 1). All apparatus were mounted on an aluminum alloy plate provided by the NLR using struts and mountings certified for aviation and safe for accelerations up to 9G. The set-up contained a constant current regulated high voltage power supply (0-20kV) with a 250kΩ/500MΩ voltage divider. Instead of beakers two closed bottles with an additional opening in the sidewall were used. The bottles were 3 mounted on a movable stage in order to manually create water bridges of different length. The water bridge was formed between the sidewall openings of the bottles. The bottles were filled with milli-Q water (conductivity < 1µS/cm) up to ~2mm below these openings. For all experiments, the initial temperature of the water was ~19°C, which was the onboard air temperature. Due to the short duration of the experiments (< 1 min), no significant temperature change was to be expected [ 7 ]. As electrode material, 2 x 2 cm² platinum plates were submerged into the water. One electrode was raised to high potential (+20kV), the other was grounded to the aircraft's general ground. A 42nF ceramic capacitor was connected parallel to the electrodes.

Currently available groundwater flow prediction tools and methods are limited by insufficient spatial resolution of subsurface data and the unknown local heterogeneity. In this field study, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were installed in an extraction well field to investigate its potential to measure groundwater flow velocity. Reference in-situ pore pressure and temperature measurements were used to identify possible sources of FBG responses. FBG strain sensors were able to detect soil consolidation caused by groundwater extraction from 250 m distance. The results show that FBG responses were influenced by interface friction between soil and FBG packaging. FBG packaging slipped in soil and the effect was more pronounced during higher groundwater flow around a nearby well. These FBG fibers could be applied for indirect flow monitoring that does not require any tracer and provide real-time and long-term data during regular operation of extraction wells.

An understanding of groundwater flow near drinking water extraction wells is crucial when it comes to avoiding well clogging and pollution. A promising new approach to groundwater flow monitoring is the deployment of a network of optical fibers with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. In preparation for a field experiment, a laboratory scale aquifer was constructed to investigate the feasibility of FBG sensors for this application. Multiparameter FBG sensors were able to detect changes in temperature, pressure, and fiber shape with sensitivities influenced by the packaging. The first results showed that, in a simulated environment with a flow velocity of 2.9 m/d, FBG strain effects were more pronounced than initially expected. FBG sensors of a pressure-induced strain implemented in a spatial array could form a multiplexed sensor for the groundwater flow direction and magnitude. Within the scope of this research, key technical specifications of FBG interrogators for groundwater flow sensing were also identified.