What is the AVL?

While still in the beginning stages, the AVL will be a treasure trove of knowledge and exploration of structural science and related disciplines. While recently launched it, once fully populated by scientist created content the library will contain a vast collection of educational and insightful videos on various scientific topics. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the wonders of the structural science, you've come to the right place! 

BROWSE VIDEOS BY TOPICBROWSE VIDEOS BY AUTHOR

Participate in the AVL Holiday Video Contest!

 All ACA Members are invited to submit videos related to the topic below:

"Things that need to be frozen for structural science (air-sensitive crystals, radiation damage, phase changes!)”

Submissions received by the Dec 15, 2024 deadline will be reviewed by the Education Committee, who will select two winning videos at the end of the contest, and each winner will receive $500 USD. In addition, five runners-up will earn $100 USD each. You do not need to be an ACA member to participate.

Videos can be as simple as a few minutes of talking over a slide presentation, or as complex as a molecular animation. Topics could cover, but are not limited to, those on the ACA’s wish list. The ACA will provide a certificate in appreciation and acknowledge the creator online and at the annual meeting.

SUBMIT VIDEO

What is Crystallography? 

Crystallography is a scientific discipline that deals with the study of crystals and their atomic or molecular structures. It is a branch of mineralogy, chemistry, physics, and materials science. Crystals are solid materials whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern known as a crystal lattice.

Crystallographers use various techniques to analyze the arrangement of atoms or molecules within crystals. X-ray crystallography is one of the most common methods used to determine the atomic structure of crystals. In this technique, a crystal is exposed to X-rays, and the diffraction pattern of the X-rays that are scattered by the crystal's atomic lattice is recorded. By analyzing this diffraction pattern, crystallographers can deduce the positions of the atoms within the crystal, their bonding patterns, and their spatial arrangement.

Crystallography has a wide range of applications in various scientific fields, including:

Chemistry: Determining the structures of molecules and their interactions within crystals, which aids in drug design, materials synthesis, and understanding chemical reactions.
 
Physics: Studying the properties of crystals and their behavior under different conditions, which can be crucial for understanding material properties and phase transitions.
 
Geology: Analyzing the crystal structures of minerals to identify and classify them and gain insights into geological processes.
 
Material Science: Investigating the atomic arrangement in materials, such as metals, alloys, and semiconductors, to improve their properties and develop new materials.
 
Biology: Determining the structures of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, to understand their functions and aid in drug development.
  

Overall, crystallography plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the atomic and molecular world, leading to numerous practical applications in science and technology.

History of ACA Archiving Efforts

The American Crystallographic Association (ACA) advances, promotes and preserves crystallography, structural science, and allied disciplines for the benefit of humankind.  Through books, videos and online resources the ACA has been promoting and preserving structural science since 1949.  The AVL is the newest resource we have started developing to continue our mission.  

 

ACA History Project

The ACA History Project showcases and preserves the history of crystallography, X-ray diffraction, and structural science through online access, articles in ACA RefleXions quarterly magazine, and videos to our YouTube channel.
 

Topics List

To study structural science, one needs to understand a wide variety of key concepts including physics, advanced mathematics, practical engineering and radiation safety training. Through the AVL we strive to offer members a single space, with consolidated resources, so that everyone can submit and access to videos on these varied topics. We can only do this with help from the community. Here we offer a list of selected topics that we are currently need covered by skilled community members.  If you have an idea or a video make sure to submit today.  

SEE OUR TOPICS LIST

MVP Creators!

All of the videos in our library are created by community members. Herein we recognize some of our favorite content creators as a way to honor them and the work they have done for all ACA members! These honors come with recognition from the community and a certificate at the next national ACA meeting.

MVP CREATORS