Single Crystal Self-Assembly

The overall objective of this program is to develop a practical process for the production of large crystals of BaTiO3, PZT, or other commercially interesting material via solid phase consolidation of nanoscale powders. To accomplish this goal three key challenges were addressed: 1) a facile synthetic procedure for generating micron-scale seed crystals, 2) a process for patterning seed crystals with a high degree of control over their crystallographic orientation, and 3) a solid phase consolidation procedure that yields high quality crystals. Phase I of this project focused on the synthesis and patterning of seed crystals, with demonstration of patterning and consolidation of PZT on the order of several mm. In Phase II, new seed crystals of alternative materials (i.e. optical, thermoelectric, or ferroelectric crystals) will be made and patterned to demonstrate the general nature of this approach for growing large crystals. In addition, anisotropic seed crystals will be fabricated to yield higher quality seed crystal arrays. In both cases, the seed crystal arrays will be consolidated into single crystals with sizes >1mm. Methods for consolidation will be determined to yield high quality single crystalline materials that are of significant commercial interest.