title: Predictive nucleation of crystals in small volumes and its consequences.
abstract: We propose another way of getting to the bottom of nucleation by using finite volume systems. Here we show, using a sharp tip, that a single nucleation event is launched as soon as the tip touches the supersaturated confined metastable solution. We thus control spatial and temporal location and demonstrate that confinement allows us to carry out predictive nucleation experiments. This control is a major step forward in understanding the factors influencing the nucleation process and its underlying physics.
authors.affiliation: CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, CINaM (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanosciences de Marseille), Campus de Luminy, Case 913, F-13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France.
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grossier
authors.forename: Zoubida
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hammadi
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morin
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Veesler