Frank–Kasper phases

Topologically close pack (TCP) phases, also known as Frank-Kasper (FK) phases, are one of the largest groups of intermetallic compounds, known for their complex crystallographic structure and physical properties. Owing to their combination of periodic and aperiodic structure, some TCP phases belong to the class of quasicrystals. Applications of TCP phases as high-temperature structural and superconducting materials have been highlighted; however, they have not yet been sufficiently investigated for details of their physical properties. Also, their complex and often non-stoichiometric structure makes them good subjects for theoretical calculations.