New Cluster Concept of Crystal Formation

Resumo

Some new models of crystal nucleation and growth, which make it possible to form fundamentals of nonclassical cluster paradigm of crystal formation, have been proposed within the theory of cluster self-organization of material on the nanoscale. According to these models, crystal nucleation occurs according to the two-step mechanism through the formation of peculiar nanoclusters (“hidden”-phase clusters or quatarons) in the crystal-forming medium. These clusters are also considered to be the main building units during crystal growth.