Nano Science and Technology Program
Taiwan International Graduate Program

Credits: 3

Instructors: Dr. Sankar Raman

Classroom: P101 Meeting Room, 1F, IoP

Class hour: Tuesday 14:10-17:00

Course introduction:

Crystalline materials underpin advances in condensed matter physics, materials chemistry, and quantum technologies. This course introduces modern principles of crystal growth and synthesis of functional and quantum materials. Students learn phase diagrams, thermodynamics and kinetics of growth, nucleation, and defect control. Major techniques include solid-state synthesis, solution growth, flux methods, chemical vapor transport and deposition, seeding, and optical floating-zone growth. Growth equipment, process optimization, and the advantages and limitations of each method are discussed. Structural characterization, particularly X-ray diffraction, is covered to assess phase purity and crystal quality. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in synthesizing and growing crystals using multiple approaches. The course connects growth conditions with structure–property relationships in advanced materials. Invited experts present emerging topics and current research challenges in quantum material synthesis.

Reference:

1. Handbook of crystal growth (vol 2), bulk crystal growth, ISBN: 9780444633033
2. Field Guide to Crystal Growth, Ashok K. Batra, Mohan D. Aggarwal https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2309590
3. Chemistry of the elements/N. N. Greenwood and A. E. Shaw, ISBN: 0750633654
(the above books are available at NTU library)

Topic
Introduction to crystals
Ideal crystals and real crystals, and growth mechanisms
Binary phase diagrams and phase rules (I)
Binary phase diagrams, melting and crystallization (I)
Crystal growth method and equipment (I): solution growth (Lecture and Lab)
Crystal growth method and equipment (II-a): solid state synthesis (Lecture and Lab)
Crystal growth method and equipment (II-b): X-ray powder diffraction (Lecture and Lab)
Overview of other crystal growth methods and equipment
Midterm exam
Lab: crystal growth by chemical vapor transport, flux growth, and floating zone (lab rotation shift #1)
Lab: crystal growth by chemical vapor transport, flux growth, and floating zone (lab rotation shift #2)
Lab: crystal growth by chemical vapor transport, flux growth, and floating zone (lab rotation shift #3)
Lab: single crystal examination: Laue X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy