TY  - JOUR
AU  - Hardtdegen, Hilde
TI  - Book Review
JO  - Progress in crystal growth and characterization of materials
VL  - 61
IS  - 2-4
SN  - 0960-8974
CY  - Amsterdam [u.a.]
PB  - Elsevier
M1  - FZJ-2015-07752
SP  - 63 -
PY  - 2015
AB  - In December 1947 the transistor was invented. This event marks the birth of the solid-state era. As worldwide interest centered on new materials and devices with useful and novel functions, the preparation and properties of these materials became a central focus of ongoing research programs in information technology. This book describes the development of the crystal growth division at the Radar Research Establishment (RRE) and Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (RSRE) in Malvern, UK. The report covers a period of nearly three decades starting shortly after World War II, through the cold war era to the time of détente, when in 1991 the establishments were converted to the defense research agency (DRA). During this time, crystal growth developed from the very beginnings to a thriving core enabling technology.Besides being a historical account on advances in crystal growth at the RRE and RSRE establishments, which is already interesting in itself, the report is remarkable in other ways. It is highly recommendable not only for the people who participated in the developments described but also for younger scientists and policy makers. It becomes clear that the preparation and characterization of materials is a foundational discipline also today even though very often only the final product – for example a device – is valued. Successful research can only be done if an ideal environment for innovation is created. A clear understanding of current needs and limitations needs to be reached, subordinating personal aims to a larger vision, merging potentials and pairing them with technical excellence. A mutual esteem of work in different disciplines is mandatory for a mutual success, which means stimulating lateral thinking, openness and working together at eye level. These are the lessons to be learned from this book, which makes it worthwhile to read for a broader scientific community and people dealing with the management of innovative technology.
LB  - PUB:(DE-HGF)16 ; PUB:(DE-HGF)36
DO  - DOI:10.1016/j.pcrysgrow.2015.10.003
UR  - https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/279876
ER  -