Frontiers in Crystalline Matter : From Discovery to Technology

For much of the past 60 years, the U.S. research community dominated the discovery of new crystalline materials and the growth of large single crystals, placing the country at the forefront of fundamental advances in condensed-matter sciences and fueling the development of many of the new technologies at the core of U.S. economic growth. The opportunities offered by future developments in this field remain as promising as the achievements of the past.

However, the past 20 years have seen a substantial deterioration in the United States' capability to pursue those opportunities at a time when several European and Asian countries have significantly increased investments in developing their own capacities in these areas.

This book seeks both to set out the challenges and opportunities facing those who discover new crystalline materials and grow large crystals and to chart a way for the United States to reinvigorate its efforts and thereby return to a position of leadership in this field. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Science and Technology of Crystalline Systems3 The Status of Activities in the Discovery and Growth ofCrystalline Materials4 Conclusions and RecommendationsAppendixesAppendix A: Charge to the CommitteeAppendix B: Biographies of Committee MembersAppendix C: Meeting AgendasAppendix D: Synthesis TechniquesAppendix E: Classes of MaterialsAppendix F: Working Draft of Policies and Procedures for aCrystalline Materials NetworkAppendix G: Educational Role of Centers of Expertise for Discoveryand Growth of Crystalline Materials