Micromorphology of as-grown surfaces of crystals

Abstract

This paper describes and discusses the micromorphology of as-grown surfaces of single crystals. After a brief introduction to the methods of observation of surfaces, the mechanism of growth and development of crystals is first outlined. Here the formation of bunches and macrosteps, the relationship between the growth mechanism and the surface entropy factor, and the effect of impurities on the surface morphology are described. Common structures observed on the as-grown surfaces are then explained in relation to growth conditions of the crystals. The following growth structures are described: elementary spirals, macrospirals, hillocks of dislocation and nondislocation origin, interlacing and slip patterns, macrosteps, inclusions, block structures, growth striations and impurity striations.