Different types of atom might form different patterns ... the laws of thermodynamics — which drive the formation of all crystals, periodic and quasiperiodic — probably have many more surprises ...

They include nonlinear, photorefractive crystals, and laser crystals’ acousto-optic and electro-optic combinations; X-ray analysis and scintillation crystals; and other types of crystals that are used ...

The atoms and molecules that make up all substances are connected in a particular way for each substance. In crystals, the particles repeat in a pattern that gives the crystal its special shape. Some ...