QUASICRYSTAL Meaning and
Definition
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A quasicrystal is a unique and fascinating type of material that possesses a special characteristic, distinct from both crystalline and amorphous substances. It is an ordered structure, exhibiting long-range order regarding the distribution of its atoms or molecules, but without the same degree of symmetry as a crystal. Unlike traditional crystals, which exhibit translational symmetry and are composed of repeating unit cells, quasicrystals display an aperiodic arrangement of atoms or molecules. This aperiodicity results in a non-repetitive pattern, where each unit is a distinct arrangement within the overall structure.
Quasicrystals were first discovered in the 1980s by Dan Shechtman, who initially faced skepticism due to their unconventional qualities. Over time, their existence was well-established and they are now recognized as a distinct phase of matter. These structures possess properties like high hardness, low friction, low electrical conductivity, and complex diffraction patterns, making them useful in various technological applications.
The unique arrangement and symmetries of quasicrystals have attracted significant attention from physicists, chemists, and materials scientists. The discovery of quasicrystals has expanded the understanding of solid-state physics and crystallography, challenging the conventional laws governing the formation of materials. Hence, studying quasicrystals has provided insights into new types of order and symmetry, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge further.
In summary, a quasicrystal refers to a type of material characterized by atomic or molecular order without translational symmetry. Its aperiodic structure distinguishes it from both crystals and amorphous substances, and its unique properties have led to various scientific advancements and potential technological applications.
Etymology of QUASICRYSTAL
The word "quasicrystal" is a combination of two terms: "quasi" and "crystal".
The prefix "quasi" comes from the Latin word "quasi", meaning "as if" or "resembling". It is commonly used in English to indicate something that resembles or has similar characteristics to something else but is not quite the same.
The term "crystal" originates from the Ancient Greek word "krystallos", which referred to ice or rock crystal. Over time, it was specifically used to identify substances with a regular and repeating atomic structure.
Therefore, the word "quasicrystal" indicates a substance or material that resembles a crystal in certain ways but does not possess the traditional periodic atomic arrangement found in regular crystals. The term was coined in the early 1980s by the physical chemist Dan Shechtman, who discovered the first quasicrystal.
