Scientists just turned light into a remote control for crystals

image via ScienceDaily: Your source for the latest research news

March 2, 2026, 7:54 AM

• •Light-sensitive photoacids are used to control particle interactions.
• •Researchers can initiate or dissolve crystals with light.
• •The method is a "one pot" experiment, avoiding complex setups.
• •This technology may lead to light-programmable materials.

Researchers at NYU have developed a method to direct the self-assembly of microscopic particles into crystals using light. They introduce light-sensitive molecules, photoacids, which alter the particles' electric charge upon light exposure, controlling their attraction and repulsion. This technique allows for real-time control over crystal growth, reshaping, and dissolution, creating a "one-pot" experiment setup. This advance may lead to light-programmable materials, such as reconfigurable optical coatings and adaptive sensors.

Read original article