Metallic glasses…on the threshold

Metallic glasses, first discovered nearly 50 years ago, are currently among the most actively studied metallic materials. Available in sections up to several centimeters, with many novel, applicable properties, metallic glasses have also been the focus of research advancing our understanding of liquids and of glasses in general. Here we outline some key features of the glassy state in metals. The next few years will bring exciting advances, as we are on the threshold of exploiting new opportunities for microstructural design, opening up much broader application of the fascinating materials formed from metallic glasses and their derivatives.