Kinetics of phase changes in large molecular clusters

A method has been devised to study the kinetics of phase changes in an unfamiliar regime of extreme undercooling and rate of transformation. We show how electron diffraction can monitor the time evolution of phase changes in molecular clusters condensed from the vapor in supersonic flow. Transitions taking place in microseconds are readily followed. Examples include solid state transformations as well as the freezing of liquid clusters. Aspects of the experiment making it possible to observe familiar transitions under highly unusual conditions will be discussed along with some advantages of the new technique.