point defects

Point defects are tiny imperfections in a material's crystal structure where an atom is missing or misplaced. These imperfections can occur when an atom drops out, or an extra atom is introduced into the otherwise orderly arrangement of the material. Such defects can influence the material's properties, like making it more or less conductive, stronger, or more flexible. They are fundamental to understanding how materials behave and are used in various applications, including semiconductors and metals. Despite their small size, point defects can have significant effects on the overall performance of a material.