This volume offers an overview of the growth of shaped crystals (oxides, fluorides, etc.) by the micro-pulling-down technique. Both melt and solution (flux) growth are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail and compared with related crystal-growth processes. The authors attempt to give a practical introduction to this technique, thereby also explaining how its application can help to solve problems commonly encountered in other melt-growth methods.

A beautiful crystal color directory and crystal gallery profile over one hundred of these extraordinary works of nature. Detailed information on the effect each crystal has on mind, body, and spirit is combined with practical advice on crystal healing

Much more than a slight revision, this second edition of the successful "Handbook of Liquid Crystals" is completely restructured and streamlined, with updated as well as completely new topics, 100% more content and a new team of editors and authors. As such, it fills the gap for a definitive, single source reference for all those working in the field of organized fluids and will set the standard for the next decade. The Handbook's new structure facilitates navigation and combines the presentation of the content by topic and by liquid-crystal type: A fundamentals volume sets the stage for an understanding of the liquid crystal state of matter, while individual volumes cover the main types and forms, with a final volume bringing together the diverse liquid crystal phases through their applications. This unrivaled, all-embracing coverage represents the undiluted knowledge on liquid crystals, making the Handbook a must-have wherever liquid crystals are investigated, produced or used, and in institutions where their science and technology is taught. Also available electronically on Wiley Online Library, www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/ref/holc Volume 1: Fundamentals of Liquid Crystals Volume 2: Physical Properties and Phase Behavior of Liquid Crystals Volume 3: Nematic and Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals Volume 4: Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals Volume 5: Non-Conventional Liquid Crystals Volume 6: Nanostructured and Amphiphilic Liquid Crystals Volume 7: Supermolecular and Polymeric Liquid Crystals Volume 8: Applications of Liquid Crystals

Crystals: Their Role in Nature and in Science provides the description of the phenomena and concepts and essential facts and ideas in the study of crystals. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 discusses the growth and various forms of crystals. Under this section, topics on the etymology of the word "crystal", the existence of crystals, how crystals grow, stacking patterns, and various crystal symmetries are presented. Part 2 covers the crystal structure and how it interacts with light and X-rays. This part discusses some strange light effects that some crystals make; the production of beautiful and scientifically significant color patterns; the possible types of space patterns in crystals; and the use of X-ray in finding the details of the internal atomic pattern of crystals. Crystallographers and laymen interested in the study and appreciation of crystals will find the book invaluable.

In this lavishly illustrated guide is all the information needed to choose, cleanse, and program crystals. Along with a colorful directory and explanations of the different types, see how to use your special stone to find a soul mate and improve relationships. Restore the body with crystal medicine and chakra healing, relieve stress, turn stones into talismans and amulets, perform crystal divination, and more.

This comprehensive book presents all aspects of acoustic metamaterials and phononic crystals. The emphasis is on acoustic wave propagation phenomena at interfaces such as refraction, especially unusual refractive properties and negative refraction. A thorough discussion of the mechanisms leading to such refractive phenomena includes local resonances in metamaterials and scattering in phononic crystals.

Liquid Crystals - Self-Organized Soft Functional Materials for Advanced Applications is focused on both theoretical models and experimental results, pointing out the chemical and physical properties (thermodynamics, electro-optic switching behavior, and non-linear optic phenomena) of liquid crystals used in a wide range of devices. In this respect, the chapters cover the following topics: chemical structure and phase transitions in bent-core liquid crystals, phase and structural behavior of liquid crystals used to align carbon nanotubes, molecular alignment, and photorefractive effect in the ferroelectric phase, which has the potential to be used as transistors, for image storage, and in optical signal processing. It is expected that the book will be of interest to researchers in academia and industries, as well as advanced students.

Recent innovations in experimental techniques such as molecular and cluster beam epitaxy, supersonic jet expansion, matrix isolation and chemical synthesis are increasingly enabling researchers to produce materials by design and with atomic dimension. These materials constrained by sire, shape, and symmetry range from clusters containing as few as two atoms to nanoscale materials consisting of thousands of atoms. They possess unique structuraI, electronic, magnetic and optical properties that depend strongly on their size and geometry. The availability of these materials raises many fundamental questions as weIl as technological possibilities. From the academic viewpoint, the most pertinent question concerns the evolution of the atomic and electronic structure of the system as it grows from micro clusters to crystals. At what stage, for example, does the cluster look as if it is a fragment of the corresponding crystal. How do electrons forming bonds in micro-clusters transform to bands in solids? How do the size dependent properties change from discrete quantum conditions, as in clusters, to boundary constrained bulk conditions, as in nanoscale materials, to bulk conditions insensitive to boundaries? How do the criteria of classification have to be changed as one goes from one size domain to another? Potential for high technological applications also seem to be endless. Clusters of otherwise non-magnetic materials exhibit magnetic behavior when constrained by size, shape, and dimension. NanoscaIe metal particles exhibit non-linear opticaI properties and increased mechanical strength. SimiIarly, materials made from nanoscale ceramic particIes possess plastic behavior.

From amethyst to zincite, black onyx to rose quartz, The Beginner's Guide to Crystals is a full-color, photographic guide to more than 60 stunning crystals and their emotional, spiritual, and physical healing benefits. The beauty and allure of these ancient stones are explored in this introductory guide to understanding crystals and their many uses. Harness the healing power of these minerals by using them as a talisman for protection, to manifest intentions, to bring calmness and tranquility, and to enhance concentration and creativity. Complete with clean, modern photographs of each mineral and stone, the crystal profiles contain accessible information on color, chakra, origin, unique magical healing qualities, and uses at work, at home, and in your personal life. With tips for building and maintaining a collection as well as performing crystal rituals for metaphysical healing, The Beginner's Guide to Crystals provides everything you need to experience the wide range of benefits these stones offer. Whether used to treat physical ailments like hypertension, high blood pressure, and circulatory issues, or to soothe emotional issues such as anxiety, fear, and stress, this guide will introduce you to the perfect crystal for bringing wellness and balance to your life.

The crystalline state is the most commonly used essential solid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The characterization of pharmaceutical crystals encompasses many scientific disciplines, but the core is crystal structure analysis, which reveals the molecular structure of essential pharmaceutical compounds. Crystal structure analysis provides important structural information related to the API's wide range of physicochemical properties, such as solubility, stability, tablet performance, color, and hygroscopicity. This book entitled “Pharmaceutical Crystals" focuses on the relationship between crystal structure and physicochemical properties. In particular, the new crystal structure of pharmaceutical compounds involving multi-component crystals, such as co-crystals, salts, and hydrates, and polymorph crystals are reported. Such crystal structures were investigated in the latest studies that combined morphology, spectroscopic, theoretical calculation, and thermal analysis with crystallographic study. This book highlights the importance of crystal structure information in many areas of pharmaceutical science and presents current trends in the structure–property study of pharmaceutical crystals. The Guest Editors of this book hope the readers enjoy a wide variety of recent studies on Pharmaceutical Crystals.