Existence of ideal noncrystals in three dimensions

Establish whether ideal noncrystals—noncrystalline states with sterically optimal packing and crystal-like properties—can be realized in three-dimensional systems, and, if they exist, construct and characterize their structural and physical properties.

Background

The paper focuses on two-dimensional systems for proof of concept. The authors note preliminary indications (distorted icosahedra in highly polydisperse glass formers) that suggest feasibility in 3D but state that the existence of 3D INC remains unexplored.

Determining 3D counterparts would extend the proposed class of ordered matter and test the generality of the steric-order-based framework.