NYU researchers have found a way to use light to control how microscopic particles assemble into crystals, effectively turning illumination into a tool for shaping matter. By adding light-sensitive molecules to a liquid filled with tiny particles, they can adjust how strongly the particles attract or repel one another simply by changing the light’s intensity or pattern. This allows them to trigger crystals to form, dissolve, or even be reshaped in real time.
Science
Scientists just turned light into a remote control for crystals
📰 Source Attribution: This article is based on reporting by
ScienceDaily.
HotTakeDaily summarises and links to original journalism. Full credit to original reporters and publishers.