Journal of Applied Crystallography

Volume 38, Part 4 (August 2005)

research papers

J. Appl. Cryst. (2005). 38, 657-660 [ doi:10.1107/S0021889805016262 ]

Surface morphology of {100} faces of L-arginine phosphate monohydrate single crystals investigated by atomic force microscopy

Y. L. Geng, D. Xu, X. Q. Wang, G. H. Zhang, G. W. Yu and D. L. Sun

Abstract: Surface morphology of {100} faces of LAP crystals was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both the steps and the two-dimensional nuclei elongate along the b direction, which is determined by the crystal structure. Fluctuations in the growth conditions could result in the formation of protuberances on the step fronts. Tree-like growth belts are initially observed on LAP crystals. It is assumed that the formation is caused by uneven liquid flow of the mother solution.

Keywords: surface morphology; crystal growth; atomic force microscopy; L-arginine phosphate monohydrate; nonlinear optical material.