Births on January 24

Dan Shechtman, Israeli chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Dan Shechtman (Hebrew: דן שכטמן; born January 24, 1941) is a globally recognized Israeli materials scientist whose groundbreaking research fundamentally altered our understanding of solid-state chemistry and crystallography. He holds the prestigious position of Philip Tobias Professor of Materials Science at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, a leading public research university known for its significant contributions to science and engineering. Additionally, he serves as an Associate of the US Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, a prominent national laboratory renowned for its expertise in materials, chemical, and energy sciences, and is also a Professor of Materials Science at Iowa State University.

The Paradigm-Shifting Discovery of Quasicrystals

A pivotal moment in scientific history occurred on April 8, 1982, while Professor Shechtman was on a sabbatical leave at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (now officially known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST) in Washington, D.C. During his research into rapidly solidified aluminum-manganese alloys, Shechtman made a revolutionary observation: he discovered the icosahedral phase. This unique crystalline structure exhibited a five-fold rotational symmetry, a characteristic previously considered impossible in traditional crystals. For centuries, the established laws of crystallography dictated that crystals, due to their repeating, periodic atomic arrangements, could only possess two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or six-fold rotational symmetries. The presence of five-fold symmetry, as observed by Shechtman, defied these long-held principles.

His discovery opened an entirely new field of study known as "quasiperiodic crystals," more commonly referred to today as quasicrystals. Unlike conventional crystals, which are characterized by atomic structures that repeat perfectly in three dimensions, quasicrystals possess an atomic arrangement that is ordered but not periodic. This non-repeating yet orderly pattern can be visualized much like an intricate Penrose tiling, where identical shapes fit together without ever forming a repeating unit. Initially, Shechtman's findings were met with considerable skepticism and even ridicule from the scientific establishment, including prominent figures like Linus Pauling. However, Shechtman's unwavering conviction in his experimental results ultimately led to the widespread acceptance and validation of quasicrystals as a distinct state of matter.

Nobel Recognition and Enduring Impact

In recognition of this monumental scientific achievement, which challenged and expanded the fundamental understanding of matter, Dan Shechtman was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This prestigious accolade, nearly three decades after his initial discovery, underscored the profound impact of his pioneering work on crystallography and materials science.

Shechtman's Nobel Prize also marked a significant milestone for Israel, as it made him one of six distinguished Israelis to have received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, reflecting the nation's robust contributions to global scientific advancement. The field of quasicrystals has since flourished, moving beyond theoretical curiosity to practical applications. These unique materials are now being explored for various technological uses, including durable non-stick coatings, specialized surgical instruments, advanced LED lighting, and efficient thermoelectric devices, continuously pushing the boundaries of materials innovation and potentially leading to new breakthroughs in diverse industries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Shechtman and Quasicrystals

Who is Dan Shechtman?

Dan Shechtman is a renowned Israeli materials scientist and Nobel laureate best known for his discovery of quasicrystals. He serves as a professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, an associate at the Ames Laboratory, and a professor at Iowa State University.

What are quasicrystals?

Quasicrystals are unique forms of solid matter that exhibit long-range atomic order but do not have a repeating, periodic structure like traditional crystals. They can possess rotational symmetries, such as five-fold symmetry, which were previously believed to be impossible in conventional crystals.

When did Dan Shechtman discover quasicrystals?

Dan Shechtman discovered the icosahedral phase, which led to the concept of quasicrystals, on April 8, 1982, while conducting research during a sabbatical at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NIST) in Washington, D.C.

Why was the discovery of quasicrystals significant?

The discovery of quasicrystals was profoundly significant because it overturned a centuries-old paradigm in crystallography, fundamentally changing our understanding of material structures. It opened up an entirely new field of research in materials science and has led to the exploration of various potential technological applications.

When did Dan Shechtman receive the Nobel Prize for his discovery?

Dan Shechtman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011, nearly 30 years after his initial groundbreaking discovery of quasicrystals, recognizing the long-term impact and validity of his work.