A new classification of symmetry groups in crystal space proposed by Russian scientists
The mutual arrangement of atoms in crystal space is known to correspond to the minimum of the potential energy of interaction of all crystal atoms. The principle of potential energy minimum can be implemented in a number of geometric ways for approximate description of the atomic arrangement in crystals. In particular, these include the principle of close packing for crystals of inorganic compounds with undirected bonds and the principle of close packing of molecules for molecular crystals. Researchers at the Department of Crystallography and Experimental Physics of the Lobachevsky University believe that when analyzing the possibility of implementing a specific space group as a crystal symmetry group, it is important to consider the main factors the volume and shape of the part of crystal space where ions or molecules can be located, as well as the symmetry of molecules (because of the presence of regular systems of points at which...