Structural dynamics of water in a supersonic shockwave

We explore the pressure evolution and structural dynamics of transient phase transitions in a microfluidic water jet after laser-induced dielectric breakdown. To this end, we use a combined approach of near-field holography with single femtosecond x-ray free-electron laser pulses and x-ray diffraction. During cavitation and jet breakup, we observe shock wave emission along the jet. The formation of the shockwave is accompanied by pronounced changes in the structure factor of water as an evidence by a shift in the water diffraction peak. This indicates a transition to a high density liquid structure induced by the transient pressure increase. (c) 2023 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

We investigate the evolution of pressure and structural dynamics in a microfluidic water jet after laser-induced dielectric breakdown using a combination of near-field holography with single femtosecond x-ray free-electron laser pulses and x-ray diffraction. During cavitation and jet breakup, shock waves are emitted along the jet, accompanied by pronounced changes in the structure factor of water. This indicates a transition to a high density liquid structure induced by the transient pressure increase.