Metallography of alkali metal single crystals

Abstract

The paper discusses methods for metallographic preparation of lithium, sodium and potassium single crystals. Because mechanical techniques and electropolishing cannot be applied, chemical polishing methods in organic solvents are considered in detail. A few methods suggested earlier in the literature were re-examined. Improved techniques were developed that yield an excellent metallographic surface quality for optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. First results of in situ optical microscopy investigations of the low-temperature phase transformation of lithium and of in situ slip line investigations in all three metals are shown.