Observation of spatiotemporally controlled crystallization using optical techniques

In crystallization, the physical and chemical properties of materials are determined by the molecular arrangement formed during nucleation and crystal growth. Therefore, controlling these processes is essential for producing pharmaceuticals and other functional materials. However, crystallization is inherently stochastic, making it difficult to control. To overcome this challenge, we have developed techniques to control crystallization in both time and space by exploiting laser-induced phenomena, such as shock waves and cavitation bubbles, generated by focused ultrashort-pulse laser irradiation. This spatiotemporal control allows us to observe crystallization in situ and investigate the dynamics of nucleation and crystal growth. In this seminar, I will present this approach and discuss recent insights into the dynamics of nucleation and crystal growth.