Calcite microcrystals in the pineal gland of the human brain: Second harmonic generators and possible piezoelectric transducers

S. Baconnier, S. B. Lang

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

A new form of biomineralization has been studied in the pineal gland of the human brain. It consists of small crystals that are less than 20 μm in length and that are completely distinct from the often-observed mulberry-type hydroxyapatite concretions. Energy dispersive spectroscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and near infrared Raman spectroscopy established that the crystals were calcite. With the exception of the otoconia structure of the inner ear, this is the only known non-pathological occurrence of calcite in the human body. The calcite microcrystals are believed to be responsible for the previously observed second harmonic generation (SHG) in pineal tissue sections. There is a strong possibility that the complex twinned structure of the crystals may lower their symmetry and permit the existence of a piezoelectric effect.

Original languageEnglish
Pages415-418
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2002
Event11th International Symposium on Electrets - Melbourne, VIC., Australia
Duration: 1 Oct 20023 Oct 2002

Conference

Conference11th International Symposium on Electrets
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne, VIC.
Period1/10/023/10/02

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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