System and method for rapid, high throughput, high pressure synthesis of materials from a liquid precursor

A system for synthesis of condensed materials to at least one of create nanoparticles or modify existing nanoparticles, the system comprising:

• a source of liquid precursor containing a compound needed for at least one of:
• creating nanoparticles or modifying existing nanoparticles;
• a flow nozzle in communication with the source of the liquid precursor which creates a jet of liquid precursor exiting the flow nozzle, the jet of liquid precursor forming a generally planar liquid sheet;
• and
• a laser for generating at least one laser pulse aimed along a path perpendicular to a path of travel of the jet of liquid precursor, to impinge the jet of liquid precursor as the jet of liquid precursor falls, the laser pulse having sufficient power to drive a compression wave through the jet of liquid precursor to sufficiently compress the jet of liquid precursor, and to increase pressure and temperature of the jet of liquid precursor, to at least one of create nanoparticles or modify existing nanoparticles.

A method for at least one of creating nanoparticles or modifying existing nanoparticles, the method comprising:

• controlling a release of a liquid precursor to create a jet of liquid precursor, the liquid precursor including a compound able to at least one of create nanoparticles or modify existing nanoparticles present in the liquid precursor;
• using an electromagnetic wave energy source to generate a beam directly at the jet of liquid precursor as the jet of liquid precursor falls through a predefined region intersecting a path of the beam;
• and
• using the beam to impinge the jet of liquid precursor, the beam having sufficient power to drive a compression wave at least substantially through a thickness of the jet of liquid precursor, which compresses the jet of liquid precursor and increases both pressure and temperature of the jet of liquid precursor, to at least one of create new nanoparticles, or modify existing nanoparticles carried in the jet of liquid precursor to form modified nanoparticles.