Capillary waves on the surface of simple liquids measured by x-ray reflectivity

Abstract

The properties of the liquid-vapor interface for three simple liquids (water, carbon tetrachloride, and methanol) have been measured using x-ray reflectivity. The measured surface roughness is interpreted using a model that combines the effects of thermally induced capillary waves and the dimensions of the constituent molecules. © 1988 The American Physical Society.