Quasicrystal

In News

• Scientists have discovered a new type of quasicrystal in the Sand Hills of north central Nebraska, USA.

About

• Physicists believed every crystalline arrangement of atoms had a repeating pattern, until material scientist Dan Shechtman discovered crystal structures that are mathematically regular but don’t repeat themselves in 1982.
• The first two quasicrystals were found in a meteorite in Russia and debris from the world’s first nuclear explosion in New Mexico, both subjected to extreme high-pressure and high-temperature events
• The latest discovery is only the third time scientists have come across a quasicrystal in nature and was created by a lightning strike in a wind-created dune.
• The discovered quasicrystal has a dodecagonal or 12-sided atomic structure, which is unusual compared to previously found and lab-grown quasicrystals with five-fold symmetric patterns.

Quasicrystal

• A quasicrystal is a crystal-like substance where atoms are arranged in a pattern that doesn’t repeat itself regularly.
• Unlike crystals, which have a repeating pattern of atoms, quasicrystals have a more complex and non-repeating arrangement of atoms, which makes them difficult to synthesize.
• Its properties are sensitive to impurities, so it is important to maintain a high level of purity during the manufacturing process.
• Quasicrystals can be easily produced in labs and possess novel electrical, photonic, and mechanical properties, making them attractive for materials scientists.
• These have been used in manufacturing non-stick frying pans, acupuncture needles, dental instruments, and razor blades.

Source: TH