Using Crystals and Light, Scientists Unlock New Ways to Grow Materials On-Demand
By striking gold nanoparticles with ultrafast lasers, Elad Harel and his team were able to “draw” crystals. This breakthrough can help researchers accurately grow crystals when and where they’re needed. Photo by Paul Henderson, Finn Gomez / College of Natural Science.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how to "draw" on demand the crystals used in many crucial technologies, from solar panels and LED lighting to medical imaging.
Appearing in the journal ACS Nano, the breakthrough was achieved by striking gold nanoparticles with a single laser pulse. This work was supported with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense
“We’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible. This is opening a new chapter in how we design and study materials,” said Elad Harel, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and senior author of the study.
Take the time to look around and you’ll find a world that runs on crystals. From smoke alarms and television screens to ultrasounds and sonar, the unique optical and electrical properties of these chemical structures place them at the cutting-edge of most innovations.