Actuation of Janus Emulsion Droplets via Optothermally Induced Marangoni Forces

Microscale Janus emulsions represent a versatile material platform for dynamic refractive, reflective, and light-emitting optical components. Here, we present a mechanism for droplet actuation that exploits thermocapillarity. Using optically induced thermal gradients, an interfacial tension differential is generated across the surfactant-free internal capillary interface of Janus droplets. The interfacial tension differential causes droplet-internal Marangoni flows and a net torque, resulting in a predictable and controllable reorientation of the droplets. The effect can be quantitatively described with a simple model that balances gravitational and thermal torques. Occurring in small thermal gradients, these optothermally induced Marangoni dynamics represent a promising mechanism for controlling droplet-based micro-optical components.