Study of Crystallization Mechanism by In -Situ Observation under Microgravity

Abstract

History of in-situ observation of crystal growth under microgravity has been reviewed emphasizing its importance for the analysis of crystal growth mechanisms under microgravity. Examples have been selected from our solution growth experiments with an intention to reveal why some crystal quality exhibited better quality in the perfection. Constrains to get better perfection have been discussed. Both morphological instability of the crystal surface and impurity incorporation play an important role to get better quality lysozyme crystals. Since important parameters to improve crystal quality have been clarified from the “in-situ” observation, these constrains will be given based on crystal growth mechanisms.