Introduction to Crystal Growth Principles and Practice

Introduction to Crystal Growth: Principles and Practice teaches readers about crystals and their origins. It offers a historical perspective of the subject and includes background information whenever possible.

The first section of this introductory book takes readers through the historical development and motivation of the field of crystal growth. With more than 40 years of experience in the field, the author covers nucleation, two-dimensional layer growth mechanism, defects in crystals, and screw dislocation theory of crystal growth. He also explains some aspects of the important subject of phase diagrams.

The second section focuses on the experimental techniques of crystal growth. For practicing crystal growers, the book provides nuts-and-bolts techniques and tips. It discusses the major techniques categorized by solid?solid, liquid?solid, and vapor?solid equilibria and describes characterization techniques essential to measuring the quality of grown crystals.

Introduction. Principles of Crystal Growth. Techniques and Practice. Crystal Characterization. Concluding Remarks.

Prof. H. L. BHAT obtained his BSc degree from Mysore University and both MSc and PhD degrees from Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, India. He obtained his post Doctoral research training from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK. Dr. Bhat joined the Physics department of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore as a Research Associate in 1973, and progressed steadily to become a professor in 1993. He was the chairman of this department during 2002-06. During 2006-08 he was a CSIR emeritus Scientist. Currently hs is a visiting professor at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bangalore. His research interests include crystal growth and crystal physics with special reference to ferroelectric, nonlinear optical, semiconductor and magnetic materials. He has over 200 research publications and produced 28 PhDs. He is a member of many professional bodies and currently the Joint Secretary of Materials Research Society of India.