Pingie: HTTP:: Triggering Chemical Reactions with Lasers

HTTP:: Triggering Chemical Reactions with Lasers
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One of the most severe limitations of chemistry today is the fact that experts cannot, for example, mix two highly reactive compounds together until they are sure they want the reaction to proceed. In other words, they cannot place two such substances in a mix, and then trigger the reaction between them at will. Through a new effort at the University of California in Berkeley (UCB), scientists may be able to do just that from now on, with the development of the first laser-operated, reactant storing method. Essentially, the new work allows for even the most highly reactive materials to be stored inside nylon microshells, through the use of carbon nanotubes. The microshells â€" containing all sorts of reactants â€" could then be placed in a mixture together, and held in this form for as long as scientists deem necessary. Then, when the time to start the reaction comes, near-infrared laser light can be used to agitate the tiny capsules, which begin to heat up, and eventually!
burst open. When this happens, the normal chemical reaction that takes place between the specific reactants ensues. According to Technology Review, the new system could have tremendous applications in fields such as printing, industrial chemical synthesis, or even medicine. Future drugs could be safely and gradually released insid...
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http://news.softpedia.com/news/Triggering-Chemical-Reactions-with-Lasers-122157.shtml
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