He develops new theoretical techniques to calculate the structures and properties of materials held under enormous pressures. Chemist William Petuskey pursues wide interests in materials science ranging from structural ceramics to novel semiconductors and superconductors. The group has applied for a patent on these materials, which have several possible technological applications. Members of the discovery team included Angell, Holloway, McMillan, and chemist Tor Grande. Nitride glass is harder than normal glass, which is based on silica.
Nitride glass is less likely to scratch or melt.
It also has unusual optical characteristics. As light passes through the new glass, it is slowed to half the speed it moves through air. This makes the refractive index large, which means that light is bent abruptly when it enters or leaves the glass at an angle. Actual size of the shard of nitride glass pictured above is less than a millimeter across. The material interests scientists because it has a very high refractive index, or ability to bend light, as indicated by the dark appearance of the edges.