“…For example, while some techniques exist to image behavior such as defect diffusion or surface diffusion in atomic systems, a PAE proxy system would allow for investigation into changing one parameter, such as bond energy, without altering any other properties like building block size or bond directions. Additionally, in situ microscopy would enable direct observation of phenomena like grain formation and grain growth mechanisms which have been hypothesized for atomic grains but prove incredibly difficult to track at the level of each individual atom . Ultimately, such a technological advance would allow for the use of PAEs to investigate any number of crystallization mechanisms including TTT behavior in nanoscale PAEs, Ostwald ripening versus oriented reattachment of crystallites, defect formation, grain boundary diffusion, plastic deformation, and crystal growth both homogenously and heterogeneously at interfaces.…”