We recently demonstrated the fabrication of rotating lattice single (RLS) crystal architecture of unlimited dimensions in various glasses. The RLS crystal is a novel form of solid, in which active properties can be designed on atomic scale by appropriate choice of process parameters. An analysis of lattice orientation of lines written with different laser speed by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) shows a direct impact of the trajectory of laser beam and the shape of crystal-glass interface on lattice rotation. We proposed a model of RLS crystal lattice in which rotation is created through the introduction of unpaired edge dislocations during glass to single crystal transformation. In general, these dislocations are of one dominant sign such that extra half planes are added from the free crystal surface, thereby inducing clockwise lattice rotation. We have now obtained evidence of this critical assumption of our model through direct observation of dislocations using transmission electron microscopy of Sb2S3 samples prepared by the lift-out technique using focused ion beam.

We will further explore the process of crystal growth within Sb2S3 glass by moving CW laser beam, which occurs in solid state and under strong temperature gradient. Then the growth can occur by the classical mechanism as atoms reorganize and jump across the growing interface. Alternatively, nuclei/embryo may form ahead of the interface, which then attach to the crystal via recently proposed ‘particle attachment' mechanism. We will note that the crystal growth model based on particle attachment and introduction of dislocations maybe applied to other solid-solid as well as liquid-solid transformations.