Abstract
The dynamics of Thermal Ink Jet (TIJ) micro-bubble life cycles is characterized through bubble area measurements for small enclosed planar heaters (41 µm x 45 µm). Maximum bubble growth rates of 20 m/s are observed at 3.7x10\$^7\$ deg. C/s instantaneous heating rates. A laser visualization technique is used to measure the bubble area viewed from above. Heater temperatures are determined by measuring the change of electrical resistance of the microheater. The bubbles are generated in deionized water by heating pulses with durations of 2 - 5 µs and last for 10 - 14 µs. The bubble life-cycle consists of a short initiation time, fast growth, a period of maximum size, a rapid collapse, and regrowth. Direct observations of bubble area, nucleation boiling temperature and time indicate homogeneous boiling at different power inputs (2.4-3.3 W) and total energy releases (7.7-17.2 µJ) at 2 kHz.
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