Journal of Crystal Growth, Vol.233, No.3, 555-560, 2001
Revelation of dislocation etch pits in mixed crystals of ammonium-potassium sulphate, [K1-x(NH4)(x)](2)SO4
Defect configurations in as-grown mixed crystals of ammonium-potassium sulphate have been revealed by chemical etch technique with greater details for the first time. Interesting features like symmetrical pyramidal pits, circular terraced pits, row of closely spaced pits forming low angle tilt boundary indicating branching of dislocations etc. were clearly observed using aqueous solutions of various inorganic salts (etchants) applied for different timings. It is found that addition of a salt generally promotes the formation of good pits. The results are briefly interpreted in the light of Cabrera's thermodynamic theory of dislocation etch pit formation. The optical and scanning micrographs show a good correspondence between formation of etch pits and dislocations.
Keywords:characterizations;defects;etching;optical microscopy;single crystal growth;inorganic compounds