Materials chemistry and crystal growth are seen as closely related act
ivities because the assessment and implementation of numerous physical
properties are based on single crystals and epitaxial layers. The ide
a of a materials synthesis directed toward the investigation and appli
cation of physical solid-state properties is outlined by three example
s: i) the supramolecular synthesis of polar molecular crystals, ii) a
quest for optical materials for short wavelength generation, and iii)
crystal growth and epitaxy of fluoride laser materials.