Single femtosecond laser pulse-single crystal formation of glycine at the solution surface

We demonstrate femtosecond laser-induced crystallization of glycine from its supersaturated solution depending on laser tunable parameters (pulse energy and repetition rate) and focal position, and examine the crystallization probability, crystal morphology, and crystal polymorph. The generation of cavitation bubble through multiphoton absorption of water depends on input laser pulse energy and repetition rate, which strongly determine morphology and number of the obtained crystals. Significant increase in the crystallization probability is observed by irradiating the femtosecond laser pulses to the air/solution interface, and single pulse-induced single crystal formation is successfully achieved. The crystallization mechanism is discussed in view of inhomogeneous mechanical stress induced by cavitation bubble generation and molecular assembly characteristics of the surface.

► We demonstrate femtosecond laser-induced crystallization of glycine in solution.
► Cavitation bubble generated by femtosecond laser irradiation induces crystallization.
► Crystal morphology and number depends on repetition rate and irradiation position.
► Decrease in repetition rate increases single crystal formation probability.
► Surface irradiation increases single crystal formation probability.