In situ spectroscopic investigation of phase change dynamics in deeply quenched quantum liquids with nanosecond time resolution

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Understanding the basic mechanisms, i.e., kinetics and dynamics, of crystallization processes in liquids cooled significantly below their normal melting point is of fundamental importance in condensed matter physics, from both basic and applied point of views. However, the experimental characterization of these phenomena has so far been greatly hampered by the challenges that invariably accompany the observation of extremely fast phase transitions, with the consequence that our present knowledge primarily comes from extensive computational efforts. Here, we will combine high-resolution Raman spectroscopy and microscopic liquid jet generation for in situ realtime investigations of phase transformation processes occurring in deeply quenched liquids with nanosecond temporal resolution. We will in particular focus on time-resolved studies of liquid-solid phase transitions occurring in the simplest quantum liquids hydrogen and deuterium and in their isotopic mixtures. Thus, the proposed research work will especially offer the opportunity to address so far unexplored aspects of the interplay between quantum behavior and phase change dynamics in supercooled liquids.