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 Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Science and Technology of Crystalline Systems
3 The Status of Activities in the Discovery and Growth of Crystalline Materials
4 Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendixes
Appendix A: Charge to the Committee
Appendix B: Biographies of Committee Members
Appendix C: Meeting Agendas
Appendix D: Synthesis Techniques
Appendix E: Classes of Materials
Appendix F: Working Draft of Policies and Procedures for a Crystalline Materials Network
Appendix G: Educational Role of Centers of Expertise for Discovery and Growth of Crystalline Materials