Gravimetric Traceability for Optical Measurements of Droplets-in-Flight

摘要

We have improved the uncertainty of optical sizing methods of nanogram-sized droplets-in-flight by shifting measurement traceability from standard dimensional artifacts to droplet mass realized by inkjet dispensing and microgravimetry. In our case, total uncertainty was reduced from 6 % to 3 %. Using gravimetric and optical approaches, we compared measured diameters in droplets from fluids having a range of optical properties similar to those in specialized inks and nanoparticle suspensions. Results indicate that this mechanism of control may benefit inkjet applications in microscale additive manufacturing.