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The Seven Crystal Systems: Overview

The Seven Crystal Systems: Overview

Crystals with various point group symmetries belong to different crystal classes, which are synonymous terms. Despite being in the same class, crystals may have distinct shapes, like cubes and octahedra. There are 32 three-dimensional point groups, all of which are systematically divided into seven crystal systems.The basic cubic crystal system, exemplified by NaCl, features orthogonal vectors (α = β = �� = 90°) of equal lengths (a = b = c). When specific requirements are not imposed on the...

Unit Cells

Unit Cells

A crystal's internal structure is an orderly array of atoms, ions, or molecules, and the details of this array significantly influence the solid's properties. In a crystal, periodically repeating 'structural motifs' - which could be atoms, molecules, or groups thereof - create a 'space lattice.' This is essentially a three-dimensional, infinite array of points, each surrounded by its neighbors in an identical way, forming the basic structure of the crystal.A 'unit cell' is a theoretical...

Lattice Centering and Coordination Number

Lattice Centering and Coordination Number

The structure of a crystalline solid, whether a metal or not, is best described by considering its simplest repeating unit, which is referred to as its unit cell. The unit cell consists of lattice points that represent the locations of atoms or ions. The entire structure then consists of this unit cell repeating in three dimensions. The three different types of unit cells present in the cubic lattice are illustrated in Figure 1.
Types of Unit Cells
Imagine taking a large number of identical...

Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Point, Line and Plane Defects

Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Point, Line and Plane Defects

A perfect crystal, in theory, has a uniform structure with the same unit cell and lattice points throughout. However, any deviation from this periodic arrangement is known as an imperfection or defect. These defects can be categorized into three types: point, line, and plane defects.Point defects occur when there is a deviation from the ideal due to missing atoms, displaced atoms, or additional atoms. These imperfections might occur due to imperfect packing during crystallization or because of...

Crystallographic Point Groups

Crystallographic Point Groups

Crystallographic point groups represent the various symmetry operations that can occur within crystals. They are unique in that at least one point will always remain unchanged during these actions. For instance, consider the triclinic system. This system, devoid of any axis or plane of symmetry, aligns with the C1 and Ci point groups.where Cᵢ is characterized solely by a center of inversion.Contrastingly, the monoclinic system introduces an element of symmetry. This system with one plane and...

Structures of Solids

Structures of Solids

Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...

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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities

Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities

Published on: November 30, 2012

A photonic crystal superlattice based on triangular lattice.

Curtis Neff, Christopher Summers

|June 5, 2009

Summary

This study explores a novel superlattice photonic crystal, revealing unique light manipulation properties. The structure exhibits both positive and negative refraction, offering new possibilities for optical device design.

Area of Science:

Photonics
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Science

Background:

Photonic crystals offer control over light propagation.
Triangular lattices are a common photonic crystal structure.
Superlattices can modify crystal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate a 2D superlattice photonic crystal with alternating hole radii.
Analyze the impact of superlattice structure on photonic bandgaps and light propagation.
Explore novel refraction phenomena.

Main Methods:

Fabrication and characterization of a 2D superlattice photonic crystal.
Theoretical analysis of photonic band structure and dispersion relations.
Simulation of light propagation and refraction properties.

More Related Videos

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials

Published on: September 26, 2014

Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation

Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation

Published on: February 25, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities

Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities

Published on: November 30, 2012

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials

Published on: September 26, 2014

Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation

Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation

Published on: February 25, 2017

Main Results:

Superlattice structure reduces the photonic bandgap and introduces band splitting.
Modified dispersion contours lead to dramatic changes in light propagation and refraction.
Observed regions of both positive and negative refraction, including normal incidence refraction.

Conclusions:

Superlattice photonic crystals exhibit unique optical properties due to lowered symmetry and anisotropy.
Brillouin Zone folding effects are key to understanding the observed phenomena.
Potential applications in novel optical devices and metamaterials.