where the constant k, in a manner somewhat analogous to a reaction rate constant, has the appropriate dimensions to non-dimensionalize the right hand side. The production of eluted microgels is also controlled by the same system parameters that control the intermittent dynamics. Micro-rod formation happens throughout the region of intermittency. Rod shaped particles, such as the micro-rods found in Fig. , are most reliably formed in regions of the phase diagram where ablation frequency is slowest. As ablation frequency increases, the resulting rods become shorter and more globular.