Self-Healing Crystal (VIDEO)
Caption
This video shows the hexagonal crystal pattern that naturally occurs when the crystalline structure is formed. The regular six-sided pattern imperfectly fits around the spherical droplet, so defects appear. Inserting an interstitial particle (black) allows the defect to "heal." The stresses caused by the extra particle can be seen in the creation of yellow and red shapes, which indicate particles coordinated with either five or seven others, as opposed to the normal six others.
Credit
William Irvine, University of Chicago
Usage Restrictions
News organizations may use this video in connection with reports about the work of William Irvine and his associates.
License
Licensed content