QUASI-CRYSTALS - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

News: Scientists discover new ‘quasicrystal’ in Nebraska, US: What are quasicrystals?

 

What's in the news?

       Scientists have discovered a new type of quasicrystal, one with 12-fold symmetry, in the Sand Hills of north central Nebraska, USA, according to a recent study.

       It said that this quasicrystal was formed during an accidental electrical discharge, possibly by a lightning strike or a downed power line in a dune.

 

Quasi-crystals:

       Quasicrystal is essentially a crystal-like substance. However, unlike a crystal, in which atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, a quasicrystal consists of atoms that are arranged in a pattern that doesn’t repeat itself regularly.

 

Discovery:

       In 1982, the material scientist Dan Shechtman discovered crystal structures that are mathematically regular, but that do not repeat themselves.

       For his discovery, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011.

 

Usage:

       Since their discovery, quasicrystals have been widely created in labs and known to possess novel electrical, photonic, and mechanical properties that aren’t found in other materials, making them an attractive prospect for materials scientists.

       They are used in manufacturing non-stick frying pans, needles for acupuncture and surgery, dental instruments and razor blades.