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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Crystallization of Proteins on Chip by Microdialysis for In Situ X-ray Diffraction Studies
Published on: April 11, 2021
In situ and real-time probing of quasicrystal solidification dynamics by synchrotron imaging
H Nguyen Thi1, J Gastaldi, T Schenk
1L2MP, UMR CNRS 6137, Université Paul Cézanne-Aix-Marseille III, Faculté des Sciences de Saint-Jérôme, Case 142, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
Abstract:
Quasicrystal growth remains an unsolved problem in condensed matter. The dynamics of the process is studied by means of synchrotron live imaging all along the solidification of icosahedral AlPdMn quasicrystals. The lateral motion of ledges driving faceted growth at the solid-melt interface is conclusively shown. When the solidification rate is increased, nucleation and free growth of new faceted grains occur in the melt due to the significant interface recoil induced by slow attachment kinetics. The detailed analysis of the evolution of these grains reveals the crucial role of aluminum rejection, both in the poisoning of their growth and driving fluid flow.
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