The birth of crystals: new understanding of nucleation by localised triggering and direct measurement.
We will develop an innovative technique to study crystal nucleation, using an optical tweezer to generate a localized shear flow in a crystallizing solution, thus triggering nucleation in a known position enabling direct measurement of the growing nucleus.
Funding
Home fee, Stipend
Duration
3 years
Supervisor
Despite being ubiquitous in manufacturing processes and in nature, crystal nucleation—the ‘birth’ of the ‘first’ crystal during the transition from liquid or solution to solid—remains a fundamental scientific puzzle. From water ice forming in the refrigerator, to manufacturing pharmaceutical vaccines and medicines, nucleation of the crystal phase is the key first step. The problem is that nucleation occurs randomly (with a probability determined by temperature or solute concentration), making direct observation of a single event—being in the right place at the right time—a major challenge and key barrier to better fundamental understanding.
In this project we will develop an innovative technique using an optical tweezer to generate a localized shear flow in a crystallizing solution, thus triggering nucleation in a known, directly observable position. We will then use light scattering to measure the structure and shape of the growing nucleus, interpreted through refining computational models of the nucleus against the measured data.
This challenging project will bring the phd candidate excellent research experience across crystallization processes, cutting-edge optical control and measurement, and data analysis using computational modelling.
In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the postgraduate certificate in researcher development (pgcert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.
Funding Details
The project is fully funded for Home UK/EU fees + stipend). The proposed start date for this project is October 2020.
Candidates should be strongly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research in a highly collaborative environment. You should have or be about to obtain a good degree (at least 2.1) in chemical engineering, physics or a related subject, with excellent laboratory, data analysis and communication skills. Experience in optics, crystallization processes and/or computational data analysis would be an advantage.
Eligibility summary
We're a leading technological University with around 22,000 students from more than 100 nations. We've an international reputation for teaching excellence with a five-star Overall Rating in the QS Stars University Ratings, and seven Times Higher Education awards in as many years. We've a thriving international community at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, with students coming here to study from countries across the world.
We're a leading technological university based in the heart of Glasgow city centre, one of the UK's leading cultural, historical and scenic cities. We look forward to welcoming you to Strathclyde. The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796 and has a rich history of teaching and innovation. Located in the centre of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, we are home to students from over 100 countries.
Winners of seven Times Higher Education Awards, including University of the Year 2012 and Business School of the Year 2016, we have a world-wide reputation for teaching and research excellence. Our students tell us all the time that they love living and studying in Glasgow. From great live music, sporting events and dining out, to shopping, diverse culture and a vibrant nightlife, there's so much to see and do.
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