With the flip of a switch, scientists harness light to program how particles interact and assemble
Phys.org
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists at NYU have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in controlling particle interactions by using light to manipulate how tiny particles organize themselves into crystals. This innovative method, detailed in the journal *Chem*, offers a simple and reversible approach to forming crystals that could pave the way for creating adaptable materials with unprecedented precision.
The researchers utilized light to precisely control the assembly of these particles, enabling them to form intricate crystal structures. Unlike traditional methods, this technique allows for dynamic reconfiguration, meaning the same set of particles can be rearranged into different configurations by simply altering the light's intensity or wavelength. This level of control opens up new possibilities in fields such as photonics, electronics, and medicine, where materials that can adapt to changing conditions are highly sought after.
The significance of this breakthrough lies in its potential to revolutionize material science. By harnessing light to program particle interactions, scientists could develop materials that respond to external stimuli, such as temperature or pressure, with remarkable versatility. This could lead to the creation of self-healing polymers, responsive textiles, or even drug delivery systems that can adjust their properties on demand.
The ability to reversibly assemble and disassemble particles using light also addresses a major challenge in material design: the difficulty of modifying materials once they are formed. With this method, researchers can easily tweak the structure of assembled materials without damaging the individual components, making it a highly sustainable and efficient process.
This research not only advances our understanding of particle dynamics but also provides a powerful new tool for engineers and scientists to explore innovative applications in adaptive materials. By leveraging light's unique properties, NYU's breakthrough could unlock transformative technologies that were previously unimaginable.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/24/2026