Introduction

Abstract

The primary scope of this monograph covers the advanced optical characterization of near-field fluid flows, within a range of a few hundred nanometers from the interface. Optical imaging characterization differs from other experimental methods in that it not only provides direct access to full-field fluid properties but also allows the comprehensiveness of visual perception, or “flow visualization” [1]. Near-field fluid flows on both micro- and nano-scales are crucial in characterizing numerous important transport phenomena across pertinent interfaces, including the surface fluid drag, solid surface heat transfer, nanoparticle self-assembly on a surface, surface chemistry and electrostatics, and the surface binding of biomolecules and DNAs. Section 1.1 discusses five feasible definitions of “near-field,” while Section 1.2 presents a list of five advanced microscopic techniques for near-field optical characterization.