Progress in Crystal Growth and Characterization of Materials

Materials especially crystalline materials provide the foundation of our modern technologically driven world. The domination of materials is achieved through detailed scientific research. Advances in the techniques of growing and assessing ever more perfect crystals of a wide range of materials lie at the roots of much of today's advanced technology. The evolution and development of crystalline materials involves research by dedicated scientists in academia as well as industry involving a broad field of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, material sciences and engineering. Crucially important applications in information technology, photonics, energy storage and harvesting, environmental protection, medicine and food production require a deep understanding of and control of crystal growth. This can involve suitable growth methods and material characterization from the bulk down to the nano-scale.