| 35 | In the lab, Krause’s research is a blend of optics and nanotechnology, pushing the boundaries of what organic crystals can achieve in laser modulation. His crystals are unique for their ability to efficiently convert light frequencies, thanks to a precise crystallization process that optimizes their shape and structure. “In nonlinear optics, it is important to produce the correct crystal polymorph. Specifically in second-order nonlinearity, the crystal structure must not have inversion symmetry,” Krause explains, noting that each step in the crystallization process must be carefully tuned to ensure this property and the crystal's performance. Figure - Camera photos of the nonlinear response of the para red crystals By creating crystals with highly stable and uniform properties, Krause aims to apply them in fields such as terahertz generation, a promising technology with applications in medical imaging and material analysis. He also foresees their use in calibration systems for cutting-edge microscopes, such as one based at Saint-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, a collaborative lab in Paris. In addition, Krause plans to achieve strong coupling between these crystals and plasmonic nanostructures to explore how such coupling might influence optical and chemical properties in a variety of materials. “This is a field I am very excited about, and I think it’s something I would be very proud of producing in the end,” he says. The coming months will be pivotal for Krause, who aims to submit his thesis by February, though he hopes to finish as early as December and begin his PhD in the nanocenter. As he looks to the future, Krause expresses gratitude for the support he's received from his academic and personal circles, which has allowed him to balance his dual roles as a researcher and a soldier. Reflecting on the opportunity to share his story, Krause remarks, “It’s nice to see that army reservists are being highlighted like this. It’s very important.” His dedication to his research, even during a year marked by intense national events, underscores a commitment to scientific advancement that transcends the lab and the field. Figure - Micrographs of various para red crystals produced during the research Figure - A vial containing a batch of synthesized crystals
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