In 1984 physicists discovered a monster in the world of crystallography, a structure that appeared to contain five-fold symmetry axes, which cannot exist in strictly periodic structures. Such quasi-periodic structures became known as quasicrystals. A previously formulated theory in terms of higher dimensional space groups was applied to them and new alloy phases were prepared which exhibited the properties expected from this model more closely. Thus many of the early controversies were dissolved. This primer is intended to provide a descriptive approach to the subject for those coming to it for the first time. The various practical, experimental, and theoretical topics are dealt with in an accessible style. The book is completed by problem sets and there is a computer program that generates a Penrose lattice. Following the success of the first and second editions the opportunity has been taken to reprint the second edition in paperback at a more modest price.
Quasicrystals have unusual symmetry properties. This book describes where the atoms are and how this new state of matter behaves. Peculiar aspects, such as large electrical resistivity, are qualitatively explained. Readers can test their own understanding of this book by going through the problem sections included. The second edition has been updated to include recent research on quasicrystals. This paperback is a reprinting of the second edition.
Quasicrystals have unusual symmetry properties. This book describes where the atoms are and how this new state of matter behaves. Peculiar aspects, such as large electrical resistivity, are qualitatively explained. Readers can test their own understanding of this book by going through the problem sections included. The second edition has been updated to include recent research on quasicrystals. This paperback is a reprinting of the second edition.