Controlled pattern formation in thin liquid layers.

We examine the fully nonlinear behavior of a thin liquid film on a hydrophobic/hydrophilic solid support in three dimensions using a phase field model. For flat homogeneous substrates, the stability of thin liquid layers is investigated under the action of gravity. The coarsening process at the solid boundary can be controlled on inhomogeneous substrates. On substrates chemically patterned in an adequate way with hydrophobic and hydrophilic spots, one can obtain stable, regular liquid droplets and even design liquid structures (PACS numbers: 47.54.-r, 68.18.Jk, and 05.70.Np).