Ledges in grain boundaries can be identified by their characteristic contrast features (straight, black-white lines) distinct from those of lattice dislocations, for example1,2 [see Fig. 1(a) and (b)]. Simple contrast rules as pointed out by Murr and Venkatesh2, can be established so that ledges may be recognized with come confidence, and the number of ledges per unit length of grain boundary (referred to as the ledge density, m) measured by direct observations in the transmission electron microscope. Such measurements can then give rise to quantitative data which can be used to provide evidence for the influence of ledges on the physical and mechanical properties of materials.It has been shown that ledge density can be systematically altered in some metals by thermo-mechanical treatment3,4.
