Bruce Garetz, Professor and Associate Chair of NYU Tandon's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, will deliver a seminar entitled, "Controlling Crystallization with Light." Hosted by Mark Tuckerman.
For more information about Bruce Garetz, click here.
Zoom Link: https://nyu.zoom.us/j/97629033198?pwd=MSt2SmhGcHJUbHF6R3lzZEVoSUtkdz09
Abstract: Nonphotochemical laser-induced nucleation (NPLIN) is a photophysical phenomenon in which millijoule pulses of visible or near infrared laser light induce nucleation in supersaturated solutions or supercooled melts. We discovered this phenomenon by accident in aqueous urea 25 years ago. Since then, NPLIN has been observed for dozens of solutes, including organics, inorganics and polymers, and in a variety of solvents. In some cases, such as glycine, it can control which polymorph is formed. In spite of much attention, the mechanism of NPLIN is still a matter of controversy. This talk will guide you through a brief history of NPLIN, a discussion of the possible mechanisms, and a presentation of our latest investigations employing microfluidics to try to resolve some of the remaining mysteries.