Flowing liquid sample jet for resonance Raman and ultrafast optical spectroscopy

A wire-guided, gravity-driven jet apparatus is described that produces optically stable thin films of liquids flowing at rates suitable for high repetition rate spectroscopy. Unlike conventional free-flowing jets, the design works well for low viscosity solvents including water and aqueous solutions of proteins. The construction of the wire guide, jet nozzle, and flow system is described. A stable water film whose thickness can be varied from 6 to 100 mum is demonstrated that has been employed in resonance Raman and femtosecond transient absorption experiments. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.