Visualization of dynamic heterogeneity in soft matter by Fluctuation microscope

Abstract

Conventional optical microscopes visualize static inhomogeneities such as orientation, concentration, and density inside materials. The "Fluctuation Microscope" we have invented and developed is a new microscope that can visualize "dynamic inhomogeneity," the internal spatio-temporal structure of matter, as 2D still and moving images on scales from nano to meso. Thus, fluctuation microscopy is a powerful new microscopy tool that allows us to observe essentially new types of dynamic images that have never been seen before in any material system, including research, development, manufacturing, nature, and living organisms. For example, it can be used to observe optically transparent liquid products such as alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, and food products.