ESROP Laser Plume Formation MPSD 2026

This research project explores a fundamental anomaly in fluid mechanics: the potential for simple liquids to exhibit solid-like elasticity under extreme conditions. Conventionally, Newtonian fluids are understood to lack elasticity because they dissipate deformation energy almost instantly through viscous flow. However, research demonstrated that liquid glycerol exhibits “rubber-like” elasticity when subjected to ultrafast, high-strain-rate laser pulses in a vacuum. The primary objective of this project is to determine if this phenomenon is unique to glycerol or if it is a fundamental property of other Newtonian fluids, particularly water. The intern will refine the experimental hardware and software to ensure high-fidelity data, modify the vacuum and optical systems to maintain stable conditions for water experiments, and measure elastic properties at strain rates and correlate macroscopic observations with theoretical models. Understanding the exact dynamics of fluid deformation under laser impact will support innovations in fields, such as biotechnology and material processing, and help improve current technologies. Furthermore, this collaboration between MPSD and the University of Toronto benefits the host institute by helping them refine their complex experimental hardware and software, while the University of Toronto gains a student trained in world-class laser science who can share this new expertise with peers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Arthur Chan

Student:

Partner:

Max Planck Institute

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Advanced Manufacturing; Quantum Science

University:

University of Toronto

Program: