Crystals are ubiquitous: most metals, for example, are crystalline. Known for the almost perfect organization of their atoms, crystals nonetheless always contain imperfections, which are called defects. The concentration and morphology of defects in a crystalline solid have a direct influence on the properties of the material. Improving the understanding of crystal defects and their evolution will therefore make it easier to predict changes in how materials change over time. Understanding such changes is especially crucial for ensuring the optimal design of facilities subject to severe environmental conditions such as irradiation.
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Source: Phys.org