laser-induced nucleation at extreme conditions

In this work we will explore the use of a focussed beam of light to cause crystals to form inside our high-pressure sample holder. The use of laser light (pulse and continuous) has been shown to be able to cause nucleation (the first step of crystallization) to occur at ambient conditions, we will continue with this to (i) see if it is applicable to high pressure conditions, and (ii) develop the methodology to assist with nucleation studies at extreme conditions.

1 week of beamtime at the Central Laser Facility (CLF) in the OCTOPUS facility. Award made after competitive peer-review process.