Seminar Prof. Kang Min Ok [Sogang Univ.] - Systematic Discovery of Noncentrosymmetric Materials
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Date: 2026/5/21 (THU) 5pm
Venue: Science Hall B133
Abstract:
In both science and art, symmetry is a fundamental concept. This explains whycentrosymmetric (CS) structures are so common in crystalline solids. However,noncentrosymmetric (NCS) materials are highly desirable because of their strong linkbetween structure and function. These materials are crucial for applications in medical lasers,telecommunications, lithography, energy harvesting, detectors, and data storage, attributableto properties such as piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, second-harmonic generation, and ferroelectricity. Despite the use of NCS building blocks—such as distorted polyhedra,polarizable metals, or asymmetric anions—synthesizing these NCS structures on a largescale remains a challenge. The reason is that thermodynamics often favors the creation of more symmetric, CS products. This presentation will delve into the critical factors that governhow framework structures form and what determines their overall symmetry. We will do thisby examining the intricate structures of new compounds made with asymmetric building blocks. Furthermore, we will explore strategic methods to accelerate the creation of functionalsolid-state materials with NCS properties.