Metallic Phase with Long-Range Orientational Order and No Translational Symmetry in Physical Review Letters, Vol. 53, No. 20, 12 November 1984, pp. 1951-1954

FIRST EDITION IN ORIGINAL WRAPS OF SHECHTMAN'S DISCOVERY OF QUASICRYSTALS. Once considered impossible, quasicrystals are a form of solid matter whose atoms are arranged like those of a crystal but assume patterns that do not exactly repeat themselves. While on a sabbatical leave at the U. S. National Bureau of Standards in 1982, Dan Shechtman, Professor of Materials Science at the Technion Institute in Israel, discovered the icosahedral phase - a discovery that opened the new field of quasiperiodic crystals. Many renowned researchers doubted the veracity and accuracy of Dr. Shechtman's findings. No less a light than Linus Pauling is quoted as saying "There is no such thing as quasicrystals, only quasi-scientists". When Shechtman returned to Israel, he was initially shunned and even asked to leave his research group. However, as other scientists confirmed the existence and properties of quasicrystals, Shechtman's research was confirmed. Quasicrystals are important for their low thermal and electrical conductivity and high structural stability. They are used in formulation of durable steel and nonstick insulation for electrical wiring, among many applications. Dr. Shechtman was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for "The discovery of quasicrystals" (Nobel Prize Committee). CONDITION & DETAILS: Original wraps. Complete. Lancaster: The American Physical Society. 4to (10.5 x 8 inches; 263 x 200mm). pp. 1863-1966. Bright and clean inside and out. Fine.…