The Fascinating World of Crystals with Dominic Loiacono
Episode 12, Oct 03, 05:15 PM
Summary
In this episode of 'Now Next and Beyond', Jeff Nolan interviews Dominic Loiacono, Vice President of the Crystal Materials Division, discussing the fascinating world of crystals. They explore the history, manufacturing processes, applications, and the science behind crystal growth, including the importance of curiosity and intuition in the field. The conversation delves into the various types of crystals, their optical properties, and the role of doping in enhancing their functionality. They also touch on the challenges faced in crystal production, the significance of human expertise, and the future of crystal technology, including potential innovations in space and the production of lab-grown diamonds.
Takeaways
In this episode of 'Now Next and Beyond', Jeff Nolan interviews Dominic Loiacono, Vice President of the Crystal Materials Division, discussing the fascinating world of crystals. They explore the history, manufacturing processes, applications, and the science behind crystal growth, including the importance of curiosity and intuition in the field. The conversation delves into the various types of crystals, their optical properties, and the role of doping in enhancing their functionality. They also touch on the challenges faced in crystal production, the significance of human expertise, and the future of crystal technology, including potential innovations in space and the production of lab-grown diamonds.
Takeaways
- Curiosity is essential for success in crystal growing.
- Crystals have diverse applications, including in lasers and semiconductors.
- Doping crystals can enhance their properties but may also introduce challenges.
- The crystal growth process requires significant energy and specialized equipment.
- Human expertise and intuition play a crucial role in crystal manufacturing.
- Crystals can be grown in controlled environments, mimicking natural processes.
- The history of crystal growth dates back thousands of years, with significant advancements post-WWII.
- Crystals can store energy, but not in the same way as batteries.
- The future of crystal technology holds promise for innovation and new applications.
- Lab-grown diamonds are produced using advanced techniques similar to those used in crystal growth.