The primary objective of this U.S.-Czechoslovakia cooperative research project between Dr. Kathryn A. McCarthy of Tufts University and Dr. Cestmir Barta of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences' Institute of Physics is to study the fundamental physical properties of mercurous halide crystals and lead halide crystals. Since many properties of these materials exhibit anisotropy, they offer extremely interesting media for examining the basic acoustic and optical characteristics of such forms of condensed matter. New knowledge acquired may clarify specific relationships among the measured physical properties and the condition of growth and sample preparation as well as effects of external conditions. This project in solid state physics research fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
