GROWTH MODES AND DEFECTS OF MANGANESE MERCURY THIOCYANATE CRYSTALS OBSERVED BY AFM

Growth mechanisms and defects formation of the manganese mercury thiocyanate (MMTC) crystal have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both screw dislocation controlled growth and 2D nucleation growth occur on the {110} faces. Stacking faults are observed among dislocation hillocks and the formation of them probably results from the different crystallization orientations of different spirals. Hollow channels are found around the nucleation islands and the formation of them is due to the instability of the interface generated by the rapid nucleation and growth speeds.