Abstract
In 1960 Bethge and Keller [1] using the gold decoration technique were able to reveal the surface structures that are formed by free evaporation of alkali halide crystals in vacuum. They observed that the first structures becoming visible after a slight evaporation of the surface are numerous small holes in the surface. A typical example is presented in Fig. 1. In the gold decoration micrographs these holes appear as nearly circular patterns. They are the places where the decrystallization begins. Since in general a nucleation is necessary for such processes, these holes were called “lochkeims,” i.e., hollow or negative nuclei. By the methods for the determination of step height described by Bethge and Keller [2] it was proved that lochkeims of the kind shown in Fig. 1 have a depth of only one lattice distance, i.e., a /2.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
