research papers\(\def\hfill{\hskip 5em}\def\hfil{\hskip 3em}\def\eqno#1{\hfil {#1}}\)

Journal logoJOURNAL OF
SYNCHROTRON
RADIATION
ISSN: 1600-5775

Study of X-ray topography using the super-Borrmann effect

crossmark logo

aSynchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hyogo Science and Technology Association, 1-490-2 Kouto, Shingu, Tatsuno, Hyogo 679-5165, Japan, and bGraduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Kouto, Kamigori, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
*Correspondence e-mail: tsusaka@sci.u-hyogo.ac.jp

Edited by Y. Amemiya, University of Tokyo, Japan (Received 19 May 2022; accepted 2 August 2022; online 17 August 2022)

X-ray topography exerting the super-Borrmann effect has been performed using synchrotron radiation to display dislocation images with a high-speed and high-resolution CMOS camera. Forward-transmitted X-rays are positively employed instead of reflected X-rays to reveal dislocations in relatively thick crystals by simultaneously exciting a pair of adjacent {111} planes owing to the super-Borrmann effect. Before the experiment, minimum values of the attenuation coefficients AminP for σ and π polarizations of the incident X-rays in the three-beam case are calculated. Results demonstrate that AminP for both polarizations are almost 20 times larger than those in the two-beam (usual Borrmann effect) case. The transmitted X-rays can be used to confirm the efficacy of taking topographs under the super-Borrmann conditions, as well as under multiple-diffraction conditions. Furthermore, super-Borrmann topographs can be considered for relatively thick crystals, where a conventional Lang X-ray topography technique is difficult to apply.

1. Introduction

The effect of anomalous transmission can be enhanced (Borrmann & Hartwig, 1965[Borrmann, G. & Hartwig, W. (1965). Z. Krystallogr. 121, 401-409.]) if the Bragg condition is satisfied for the 111 and [\bar111] reflections simultaneously in the wide-angle diagram of perfect germanium (Ge) crystals with thickness t = 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm with Cu Kα radiation. Enhanced intensity spots for the 111 and [\bar111] reflections appear at the Kossel line intersection of the T111 and [{T_{\bar111}}] traces of the reflected beams, respectively. Furthermore, enhanced intensity spots for the 111 and [\bar111] reflections appear on the R111 and [{R_{\bar111}}] traces of the transmitted (refracted in the strict sense) beams, respectively, and are symmetrical to the intersection point of the T111 and [{T_{\bar111}}] traces with respect to the respective reflecting planes. Calculation results and interpretation for the decrease in the absorption coefficient was provided (Hildebrandt, 1966[Hildebrandt, G. (1966). Phys. Status Solidi B, 15, K131-K134.], 1967[Hildebrandt, G. (1967). Phys. Status Solidi B, 24, 245-261.]) for the enhanced spots in the [111,\bar111/200] three-beam case (/hkl means χgh when g = 111 and h = [\bar111]). Later, the theoretical understanding based on detailed calculation was advanced (Feldman & Post, 1972[Feldman, R. & Post, B. (1972). Phys. Status Solidi A, 12, 273-276.]), and was confirmed experimentally (Uebach & Hilde­brandt, 1969[Uebach, W. & Hildebrandt, G. (1969). Z. Kristallogr. 129, 1-8.]; Hildebrandt, 1978[Hildebrandt, G. (1978). Krist. Techn. 13, 1095-1104.]).

Other combinations of simultaneous reflections for three-beam cases such as [111,1\bar{1}\bar{1}/022] (Umeno & Hildebrandt, 1975[Umeno, M. & Hildebrandt, G. (1975). Phys. Status Solidi A, 31, 583-594.]) and [220,\bar{2}0\bar{2}/422] (Umeno, 1972[Umeno, M. (1972). Phys. Status Solidi A, 11, 501-511.]) were investigated. The Borrmann effect for four-beam and six-beam cases involving 220 reflections was found to be also enhanced (Joko & Fukuhara, 1967[Joko, T. & Fukuhara, A. (1967). J. Phys. Soc. Jpn, 22, 597-604.]). Theoretical explanations were also discussed by Afanasev & Kohn (1975[Afanasev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1975). Phys. Status Solidi A, 28, 61-70.], 1976[Afanas'ev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1976). Acta Cryst. A32, 308-310.], 1977[Afanas'ev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1977). Acta Cryst. A33, 178-184.]). This enhanced Borrmann effect is called the `super-Borrmann' effect (Lang, 1998[Lang, A. R. (1998). Cryst. Res. Technol. 33, 613-623.]).

In terms of the application of the super-Borrmann effect to X-ray topography to image lattice defects in crystals, such as dislocations, as well as conventional X-ray topography, few reports have been published probably owing to a too low X-ray source intensity and large X-ray beam divergence to develop clear defect images for a wide visual field. However, since the availability of synchrotron radiation, X-ray topography can be applied for imaging lattice defects in crystals by choosing the correct X-ray wavelength. In addition, it was previously reported that topographs combined with a high-speed and high-resolution CMOS camera taken by employing forward-transmitted X-rays under multiple diffraction conditions (bright-field X-ray topographs) can reveal dislocations without noticeable image deformations (Tsusaka et al., 2016[Tsusaka, Y., Takeda, S., Takano, H., Yokoyama, K., Kagoshima, Y. & Matsui, J. (2016). Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 023701.], 2019[Tsusaka, Y., Mizuochi, H., Imanishi, M., Imade, M., Mori, Y. & Matsui, J. (2019). J. Appl. Phys. 125, 125105.]).

Furthermore, as a major advantage, it is expected that the forward-transmitted X-rays riding on the super-Borrmann effect also reveal dislocations existing in relatively thick crystals by simultaneously exciting a pair of adjacent {111} planes such as (111) and [({\bar111})] where conventional Lang X-ray topography is difficult to apply. Therefore, this study deals with X-ray topography performed under three-beam multiple-diffraction conditions for thick Ge crystals using synchrotron radiation.

2. [111,\bar{1}11/200] three-beam case

Fig. 1[link] shows an example of [111,\bar111/200] three-beam multiple diffraction in reciprocal space of a perfect Ge crystal. Note that the [\bar111] beam is not drawn here considering that it passes symmetrical to the 111 beam with respective to the (100) plane of symmetry in order to simplify calculation of the absorption decreases controlling the super-Borrmann effect. Figs. 1[link](a) and 1(b) demonstrate two cases of different energy of the incident X-rays for E = E1 and E = E2, respectively, which is higher than E1. The black dashed triangle in Fig. 1[link] comprises the original Ko, K111 and g111, where Ko is the incident X-ray wavevector, K111 is the 111-reflected X-ray wavevector and g111 = K111Ko is the diffraction vector of the 111 reflection lying on the same plane. Rectangles OPQR and PPOO represent projections on [(01\bar1)] and (100), respectively. The lengths of sides [ \overline{PQ}], [\overline{OP}] and [\overline{PP^{\,\prime}}] are given as follows,

[\eqalign{ \overline{PQ} & = \left| \overline{OQ}\right| \cos\varphi = {{1}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\left|{{\bf{g}}}_{111}\right| = {{2}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\,k\sin\theta, \cr \overline{OP} & = \left| \overline{OQ}\right|\sin\varphi = {{\sqrt{2}}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\left|{{\bf{g}}}_{111}\right| = {{\sqrt{8}}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\,k\sin\theta, \cr \overline {{{PP^{\,\prime}}}} & = \overline {{{X}}{{{L}}_{\rm{o}}}} = k\sin \omega, }]

where ω is an elevation angle of Ko (or K111) from the rectangle OPQR parallel to the [\left({0\bar11}\right)] entrance surface. It is clear that both [\overline{{{PQ}}}] and [\overline {{{OP}}}] are independent of E; however, [\overline{{{PP^{\,\prime}}}}] becomes larger when E increases, as observed in Figs. 1[link](a) and 1(b). Then, we put a unit vector of Ko as so and unit vectors of the polarization components of Ko as σo and πo, for horizontal and vertical polarizations, respectively. σo lies in the [\left({01\bar1}\right)] base plane and is perpendicular to so. Therefore, πo is also perpendicular to so and σo.

[Figure 1]
Figure 1
Schematic of [111,\bar111/200] three-beam multiple diffraction in reciprocal space of Ge, where only the 111 reflection is represented, considering the [\bar111] beam travels in a symmetrical direction with the plane of symmetry (100) at incident X-ray energies of E = E1 in (a) and E = E2 (>E1) in (b) with rectangles OPQR and PP′O′O representing projections on the [\left({01\bar1}\right)] and (100) planes, respectively. [\left({01\bar1}\right)]: entrance surface; Ko: incident X-ray wavevector; K111: 111-reflected X-ray wavevector; g111: diffraction vector of the 111 reflection.

Next, we put [{\bf{K}}_{111[0]}^{\,s}], [{\bf{K}}_{111[0]}^{\,\sigma}] and [{\bf{K}}_{111[0]}^{\,\pi}] in Fig. 1[link] as components of K111 in the so, σo and πo directions, respectively. The magnitudes of these vectors were calculated as [k\cos 2\theta], [({{2}/{\sqrt{3}}})\,k\sin\theta] and [2k\sin\theta\,[(2/3)-\sin^2\theta]^{1/2}], respectively. The lengths of sides [\overline{{{OX}}}] and [\overline{{{XP}}}] were found to have the following values,

[\eqalign{\overline{OX} & = \overline{QX} = \overline{QL_{\rm{o}}}\cos\omega = k\cos\omega \cr&= {{\sqrt{3}}\over{\sqrt{8}}} \left(2k\sin\theta\right) = {{\sqrt{3}}\over{\sqrt{2}}}\,k\sin\theta,}]

[\eqalign{\overline{XP} & = \overline{OP}-\overline{OX} = \left({{\sqrt{2}}\over{\sqrt{3}}}-{{\sqrt{3}}\over{\sqrt{8}}}\right) \,\left(2k\sin\theta\right) \cr& = {{1}\over{\sqrt{24}}}\, \left(2k\sin\theta\right) = {{1}\over{3}}\,\overline{OX}.}]

Then, we obtained [\cos\omega] = [({{\sqrt{3}}/\!{\sqrt{2}}})\sin\theta] and [\sin\omega] = [[1-(3/2)\sin^2\theta]^{1/2}] as a result for the plane parallel to the [(0\bar11)] entrance surface.

Since [{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}}] is symmetrical with K111, [|{\bf{K}}_{\bar111[0]}^{\,\sigma}|] = [-|{\bf{K}}_{111[0]}^{\,\sigma}|]; however, the so, πo components of [{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}}] and K111 are identical. Consequently, the refracted beam Ko and two reflected beams K111 and [{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}}] are summarized as follows,

[\eqalignno{&\left(\,\matrix{{\bf{K}}_{\rm{o}} \cr {\bf{K}}_{111} \cr {\bf{K}}_{\bar{1}11}}\,\right) = \cr& \,\,\,\,\,\,\,k\left(\,\matrix{1 & 0 & 0 \cr \cos2\theta & -{{2}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\sin\theta & 2\sin\theta\left(\,{{2}\over{3}}-\sin^2\theta\right)^{1/2} \cr \cos2\theta & {{2}\over{\sqrt{3}}}\sin\theta & 2\sin\theta\left(\,{{2}\over{3}}-\sin^2\theta\right)^{1/2}}\,\right) \left(\,\matrix{{\bf{s}}_{\rm{o}} \cr \boldsigma_{\rm{o}} \cr \boldpi_{\rm{o}}}\,\right). &(1)}]

3. Absorption coefficients in the three-beam diffraction cases

Since the calculation process for the absorption coefficient in the three-beam case under Cu Kα1 radiation has already been provided by Authier (2001[Authier, A. (2001). Dynamical Theory of X-ray Diffraction, pp. 225-248. Oxford University Press.]), explanation of the calculation will be kept to a minimum. Based on the fundamental equations of X-ray dynamical theory, the projections of the electric displacements D in the three-beam case to the plane normal to Ko can be written for the three beams as follows,

[{{{\bf{K}}_{\rm{o}}^{2} - {k^2}} \over {{k^2}}}\,{{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}} = {\chi_{\rm{o}}}{{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}} + {\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}{{\bf{D}}_{111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}} + {\chi _{1\bar 1\bar 1}}{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}},]

[{{{\bf{K}}_{111}^2 - {k^2}} \over {{k^2}}}\,{{\bf{D}}_{111}} = {\chi_{\rm{o}}}{{\bf{D}}_{111}} + {\chi _{111}}{{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}\left [{111} \right]}} + {\chi _{200}}{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111\left [{111} \right]}},]

[{{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}^2 - {k^2}} \over {{k^2}}}\,{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111}} = {\chi_{\rm{o}}}{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111}} + {\chi _{\bar111}}{{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}\left [{\bar111} \right]}} + {\chi _{\bar 200}}{{\bf{D}}_{\left [{\bar111} \right]}}.]

It is possible to rewrite the above equations by using excitation errors [{\xi}_{{\rm{o}}}], [{\xi}_{111}], [{\xi}_{\bar{1}11}],

[\matrix{ {2\xi}_{\rm{o}}{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}} & -k{\chi}_{\bar{1}\bar{1}\bar{1}}{\bf{D}}_{111[{\rm{o}}]} & -k{\chi}_{1\bar{1}\bar{1}}{\bf{D}}_{\bar{1}11[{\rm{o}}]} & = 0, \cr -k{\chi}_{111}{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}[111]} & +{2\xi}_{111}{\bf{D}}_{111} & -k{\chi}_{200}{\bf{D}}_{\bar{1}11[111]} &= 0, \cr -k{\chi}_{\bar{1}11}{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}} [\bar{1}11]} & -k{\chi}_{\bar{2}00}{\bf{D}}_{111[\bar{1}11]} & +{2{\xi}_{\bar{1}11}{\bf{D}}}_{\bar{1}11} & = 0. } \eqno(2)]

Since the 200 reflection and [\bar200] reflectin are forbidden ([{\chi_{200}}] = [{\chi _{\bar 200}}] = 0), the above equations are expressed as follows,

[\matrix{ {2\xi}_{\rm{o}}{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}} & -k{\chi}_{\bar{1}\bar{1}\bar{1}}{\bf{D}}_{111[{\rm{o}}]} & -k{\chi}_{1\bar{1}\bar{1}}{\bf{D}}_{\bar{1}11[{\rm{o}}]} & = 0, \cr -k{\chi}_{111}{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}[111]}& +{2\xi}_{111}{\bf{D}}_{111} & + 0 & = 0, \cr -k{\chi}_{\bar{1}11}{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}} [\bar{1}11]} & +0& +{2{\xi}_{\bar{1}11}{\bf{D}}}_{\bar{1}11}& = 0. } \eqno(3)]

The two relations are obtained from the second and third lines of equation (3)[link] shown above,

[{\bf{D}}_{111} = {{k{\chi}_{111}}\over{{2\xi}_{111}}}{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}\left[111\right]} = {{k{\chi}_{111}}\over{{2\xi}_{111}}}\left({\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}-{{{\bf{K}}_{111}\cdot {\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}}\over{{{K}_{111}}^{2}}}{\bf{K}}_{111}\right), ]

[{\bf{D}}_{\bar{1}11} = {{ k{\chi}_{\bar{1}11} }\over{ {2\xi}_{\bar{1}11} }} \,{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}[\bar{1}11]} = {{k{\chi}_{\bar{1}11}}\over{{2\xi}_{\bar{1}11}}}\left({\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}-{{{\bf{K}}_{\bar{1}11}\cdot {\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}}\over{{\bf{K}}_{\bar{1}11}^{\,2}}}{\bf{K}}_{\bar{1}11}\right).]

From Do[111] and [{{\bf{D}}_{{\rm{o}}[{\bar111}]}}] one can obtain D111[o] and [{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}}] using a vector formula A × (B × C) = (A · C)B − (A · B)C in a similar way to that described by Authier (2001[Authier, A. (2001). Dynamical Theory of X-ray Diffraction, pp. 225-248. Oxford University Press.]). By substituting D111[o] and [{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}}] thus obtained in the first line of equation (3)[link], we obtain a relation involving only Do. If we decompose Do into two components, [D_{\rm{o}}^\sigma], parallel to the plane of symmetry, and [D_{\rm{o}}^\pi], perpendicular to the plane of symmetry,

[{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}} = {D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma}{{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}}+{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi} {{\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}}.]

The first line of equation (2)[link], which is

[{\bf{X}} = 2{\xi _{\rm{o}}}{{\bf{D}}_{\rm{o}}} - k{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}{{\bf{D}}_{111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}} - k{\chi _{1\bar 1\bar 1}}{{\bf{D}}_{\bar111\left [{\rm{o}} \right]}} = 0,]

can be replaced using two scalar values [D_{\rm{o}}^\sigma] and [D_{\rm{o}}^\pi], given as follows,

[{\bf X} = A{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma } {{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}}+B\left({D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma}{ {\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}}+{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi } {{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}}\right)+C{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi }{ {\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}} = 0, \eqno(4)]

where A, B and C are the coefficients of [{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma} {{\boldsigma }}_{\rm{o}}], [{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma}{{\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}}+{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi} {{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}}] and [{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi}{{\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}}], respectively,

[A = 8{\xi _{\rm{o}}}{\xi _{111}}{\xi _{\bar111}} - {k^2}{\chi _{111}}{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}\left({1 - {4 \over 3}{{\sin }^2}\theta } \right)\left({2{\xi _{111}} + 2{\xi _{\bar111}}} \right),]

[B = {k^2}{\chi _{111}}{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}\left[{{4 \over {\sqrt 3 }}\,\sin^2\theta\, \left({{2 \over 3} - {{\sin }^2}\theta } \right)^{1/2} } \right]\left({2{\xi _{111}} - 2{\xi _{\bar111}}} \right),]

[\eqalign{C = {}& 8\,{\xi _{\rm{o}}}{\xi _{111}}{\xi _{\bar111}} - {k^2}{\chi _{111}}{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}\left [{1 - 4\sin^2\theta\, \left({{2 \over 3} - {\sin^2}\theta } \right)} \right] \cr &\times\left({2{\xi _{111}} + 2{\xi_{\bar111}}}\right).}]

Considering X can be separated into σo and πo,

[{\bf X} = \left(AD_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma} + B{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi}\right)\,{{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}} + \left(B{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma} + C{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi}\right)\,{{\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}} = 0. \eqno(5)]

Therefore, we can derive the determinant as follows,

[\left(\matrix{A & B \cr B & C \cr}\right) \left(\matrix{D_{\rm{o}}^\sigma \cr D_{\rm{o}}^\pi \cr}\right) = \left(\matrix{0 \cr 0 \cr}\right),]

and hence, inevitably,

[\det \left(\matrix{A & B \cr B & C \cr}\right) = AC-B^2 = 0. ]

Note that the components of Ko, K111 and [{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}}] are given by equation (1)[link] and [{\xi_{111}}] = [{\xi_{\bar111}}]. Therefore, we understand that B vanishes, and hence AC also vanishes.

From the above considerations, A (coefficient of [{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\sigma} {{\boldsigma}}_{\rm{o}}]) and C (coefficient of [{D}_{\rm{o}}^{\pi}{{\boldpi}}_{\rm{o}}]) should be null independently for σo and πo polarizations, respectively. As a result, we obtain

[{\xi _{\rm{o}}}{\xi_{111}} = {1\over2}{k^2}{\chi_{111}}{\chi_{\bar1\bar1\bar1}}\left({1-{4\over3}\sin^2\theta} \right)]

for σo polarization and

[{\xi _{\rm{o}}}{\xi _{111}} = {1 \over 2}{k^2}{\chi _{111}}{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}\left [{1 - 4{{\sin }^2}\theta\, \left({{2 \over 3} - {{\sin }^2}\theta } \right)} \right]]

for πo polarization.

Considering χo is minimum when |ξo| = |ξ111|, the subsequent values for ξo can be given as

[{\xi}_{\rm{o}} = -{{1}\over{\sqrt{2}}}\,k\,\left({{\chi}_{111}{\chi}_{\bar{1}\bar{1}\bar{1}} } \right)^{1/2}\left({1-{{4}\over{3}}\sin^2\theta} \right)^{1/2} \eqno(6a)]

for σo polarization and

[{\xi}_{\rm{o}} = -{{1}\over{\sqrt{2}}}\,k\,\left({{\chi}_{111}{\chi}_{\bar{1}\bar{1}\bar{1}}}\right)^{1/2} \left[ {1-4\sin^2\theta\,\left({{2}\over{3}}-\sin^2\theta\right)} \right]^{1/2} \eqno(6b)]

for πo polarization.

In the two-beam case,

[{\xi_{\rm{o}}}{\xi _{111}} = \xi _{\rm{o}}^{\,2} = {1 \over 4}{k^2}\left({P{\chi _{111}}} \right)\left({P{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}} \right). ]

When |ξo| = |ξ111|, satisfying the Bragg condition exactly,

[{\xi _{\rm{o}}} = - {1 \over 2}\,kP\left({{\chi _{111}}{\chi _{\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1}}} \right)^{1/2}. ]

For a cubic crystal such as Ge, the structure factor F111 and Fourier component of the dielectric susceptibility χ111 for the 111 reflection are given as follows,

[{F}_{111} = 4\,{f}_{\!\rm{Ge}}\left(1+i\right), \qquad {\chi}_{111} = -{{{r}_{\rm{e}}{\lambda}^{2}}\over{\pi{V}_{\rm{c}}}} \left({F}_{111\_{\,\rm{r}}}+i{F}_{111\_{\,\rm{i}}}\right),]

where fGe is the atomic scattering factor of Ge, re is the classical electron radius, λ is the wavelength of the X-rays, and Vc is the volume of a unit cell of Ge. F111_r and F111_i are the real and imaginary parts of the complex number F111, respectively. The magnitudes of F111 and χ111 can be derived from the corresponding atomic scattering factors as follows,

[\left| {{F_{111}}} \right| = 4\left({{1^2} + {{\left|\,i\,\right|}^2}} \right)^{1/2} \left|\,f\,\right| = 4\sqrt 2\, \left| {{\,f_{111\_\,{\rm{r}}}} + {\,f_{111\_\,{\rm{i}}}}} \right|,]

[\left| {{\chi _{111}}} \right| = - {{{r_{\rm{e}}}{\lambda^2}} \over {\pi{V_{\rm{c}}}}}\left({4\sqrt 2\, \left|\, {{f_{111\_\,{\rm{r}}}} + \,{f_{111\_\,{\rm{i}}}}} \right|} \right). ]

Then,

[{{\left|{{\chi _{111\_\,{\rm{i}}}}}\right|} \over {\left|{{\chi_{\rm{oi}}}}\right|}} = {{4\sqrt2\,{f_{111\_\,{\rm{i}}}}}\over{8\,{f_{{\rm{o}}\_\,{\rm{i}}}}}} = {1\over{\sqrt2}}.]

The minimum value of the absorption coefficient in the g, [h/(g-h)] = [111,\bar{1}11/200] three-beam case is given as follows,

[{\mu_{\rm{e}}} = {\mu_{\rm{o}}}\left({1-P\,{{\left|{{\chi_{111\_\,{\rm{i}}}}} \right|} \over {\left|{{\chi_{{\rm{o}}\_\,{\rm{i}}}}}\right|}}}\right), \eqno(7)]

where μo is the normal absorption coefficient and χ111_i and χo_i are imaginary parts of χ111 and χo, respectively.

The minimum attenuation coefficient is [A_{{\rm{min}}}^P] = [\exp[{-{\mu_{\rm{e}}}({t/{{\gamma_{\rm{o}}}}})}]], where t is the slab thickness and γo = nhkl · so is a direction cosine of the incident X-ray wavevector Ko (its unit vector is so) to nhkl, the normal to the X-ray entrance surface. In the [111,\bar{1}11/200] present three-beam case, it is found from Fig. 2[link] that the direction cosine γo is expressed as

[{\gamma}_{\rm{o}} = \cos\left(\,{{\pi}\over{2}}-\omega\right) = \sin\omega = {{\left|\overline{XL_{\rm{o}}}\right|}\over{k}} = \left({1-{{3}\over{2}}{\sin}^{2}\theta}\right)^{1/2}, \eqno(8)]

for Ko to [{{\bf{n}}_{0\bar11}}].

[Figure 2]
Figure 2
Schematic of the relation between Ko, the wavevector of the incident X-rays, and n001, the (001) surface normal, or [{{\bf{n}}_{0\bar11}}], the [\left({0\bar11}\right)] surface normal. Angles [({\pi/2})-{{\omega}}] and [{{\omega}}-({\pi/4})] correspond to direction cosines γo of Ko to n001 and [{{\bf{n}}_{0\bar11}}], respectively.

However, the X-ray energy in the present experimental case using synchrotron radiation was E = 10 keV and the Ge slab thickness was t = 0.05 cm with the (100) entrance surface. Because the lattice parameter of Ge is a = 0.56754 nm and the Bragg angle of the 111 reflection becomes [{\theta_{111}}] = 7.2458° leading to [\sin{\theta}_{111}] = [1.23984/[2\left(a/\sqrt{3}\right)E\,]] = 0.12613, we can derive γo for nhkl = n001 from Fig. 2[link] as follows,

[\eqalign{ {\gamma}_{\rm{o}} & = \cos\left(\omega-{{\pi}\over{4}}\right) = {{1}\over{\sqrt{2}}}\left(\cos\omega + \sin\omega \right) \cr& = {{1}\over{\sqrt{2}}}\left[\sqrt{\,{{3}\over{2}}\,}\sin\theta \,+ \left({1-{{3}\over{2}}\sin^2\theta}\right)^{1/2}\right] = 0.85165, }]

which corresponds to 31.608° as an angle between n001 and so. In this case, the polarization factors P for the σo and πo components are introduced from equation (6)[link] as

[P = \sqrt2\, \left(1-{4\over3}\sin^2\theta_{111}\right)^{1/2} \eqno(9a)]

for σo polarization and

[P = \sqrt2\, \left[1-4\sin^2\theta_{111} \left({2\over3}-\sin^2\theta_{111}\right)\right]^{1/2} \eqno(9b)]

for πo polarization

This makes it possible to calculate the effective absorption coefficient μe and the minimum attenuation coefficient [A_{{\rm{min}}}^P] in the [111,\bar{1}11/200] three-beam case for the Ge slab having the (001) entrance surface with thickness of 0.05 cm, as demonstrated in Table 1[link], by retrieving the data on the attenuation length from CXRO (https://henke.lbl.gov/optical_constants/atten2.html). Furthermore, it was observed that [A_{{\rm{min}}}^P] for both polarizations in the three-beam case are approximately 20 times the values in the two-beam case, due to which the phenomenon is called the super-Borrmann effect.

Table 1
μo, μe, [A_{{\rm{min}}}^P] for σo and πo polarizations in the [111,\bar{1}11/200] three-beam reflection case for a Ge slab (thickness: 0.05 cm; X-ray entrance surface: (100); X-ray energy: 10 keV)

Polarization Linear absorption coefficient μo Polarization component P Effective absorption coefficient μe Minimum attenuation coefficient [A_{{\rm{min}}}^P] = [\exp\left(-\mu_{\rm{e}}t/\gamma_{\rm{o}}\right)]
σo 192.213 1.380 4.638 0.672
πo 1.349 8.878 0.594

4. Topography experiment using the super-Borrmann effect for Ge crystals

To take X-ray topographs with minimized image deformation, we employed forward-transmitted (but refracted) X-rays that satisfied the Bragg conditions for the two {111} adjacent planes lying symmetrically with respect to the {100} plane of symmetry, as demonstrated in Fig. 3[link]. An X-ray diffraction goniometer with an X-ray source of approximately 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm was used with 10 keV X-rays from the synchrotron radiation through a silicon double-crystal monochromator at the BL24XU8 beamline of SPring-8 (Tsusaka et al., 2001[Tsusaka, Y., Yokoyama, K., Takeda, S., Takai, K., Kagoshima, Y. & Matsui, J. (2001). Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 467-468, 670-673.]), similar to previously reported multiple-beam diffraction topography (Tsusaka et al., 2016[Tsusaka, Y., Takeda, S., Takano, H., Yokoyama, K., Kagoshima, Y. & Matsui, J. (2016). Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 023701.], 2019[Tsusaka, Y., Mizuochi, H., Imanishi, M., Imade, M., Mori, Y. & Matsui, J. (2019). J. Appl. Phys. 125, 125105.]). In order to avoid the harmonics of the incident synchrotron beam, the usual detuning treatment was carried out before carrying out the topography experiment.

[Figure 3]
Figure 3
Incident X-rays Ko and reflected X-rays K111 and [{{\bf{K}}_{\bar111}}] simultaneously satisfying the Bragg conditions for the 111 and [\bar111] reflections, respectively, where sample rotations around [001] and [100] are performed, respectively, to select a pair of {111} planes and for Bragg condition adjustment to satisfy the individual three-beam diffraction condition.

Various interference patterns on diffracted and transmitted images with defect appearance were also studied using a coherent X-ray beam under multiple-diffraction conditions (Okitsu et al., 2003[Okitsu, K., Imai, Y., Ueji, Y. & Yoda, Y. (2003). Acta Cryst. A59, 311-316.]; Okitsu, 2003[Okitsu, K. (2003). Acta Cryst. A59, 235-244.]). However, in the present case, topographic images were taken directly by the forward-transmitted X-ray beam instead of the diffracted X-ray beam using an X-ray imaging detector (Hondoh et al., 1989[Hondoh, T., Goto, A., Hoshi, R., Ono, T., Anzai, H., Kawase, R., Pimienta, P. & Mae, S. (1989). Rev. Sci. Instrum. 60, 2494-2497.]). The detector comprises a 20 µm-thick Gd3Al2Ga3O12 (GAGG) scintillator, relay lens optics and a high-speed CMOS camera (Hamamatsu, C11440-22CU). This detector resolved a 1 µm line-and-space pattern.

A Ge slab of dimensions 10 mm (width) × 14 mm (height) × 0.5 mm (thickness) and the (001) surface was prepared for the super-Borrmann topography experiment. The slab was rotated in the clockwise direction around the [100] axis until bright spots corresponding to the reflections from two adjacent {111} planes, for example (111) and [\left({\bar111}\right)], could be recognized on a fluorescent sheet. It is clear that this multiple (n-beam) diffraction from a single crystal is not considered to be so-called umweganregung (Reninger, 1937a[Reninger, M. (1937a). Z. Phys. 106, 141-176.],b[Reninger, M. (1937b). Z. Kristallogr. 97, 107-121.]) but simply simultaneous excitation of the plural diffractions. After confirming the double fluorescent spots by the two 111 reflections on the sheet, the images formed by the forward-transmitted beam were directly captured by the CMOS camera. As demonstrated in Fig. 3[link], an adjacent pair of {111} planes was selected by rotating the slab 90° clockwise around the normal to the (001) slab surface.

Figs. 4[link](a)–4(c) show a fluorescent spot from (a) the directly transmitted X-ray beam denoted as `0', (b) the direct beam and the 111 reflected beam, and (c) the direct beam, the 111 reflected beam and the [\bar111] reflected beam. It can be easily noticed that the triple fluorescent spots in Fig. 4[link](c) are much brighter than those in Fig. 4(b), indicating the super-Borrmann effect. The shining light on the right-hand side of Fig. 4[link](c) is due to a specular reflection by the Ge crystal surface from the 111 reflection spot on the fluorescent sheet. After the triple fluorescent spots were recognized with nearly the same brightness by sample rotation adjustment around [100] and [001], the topographic image formed by the transmitted beam was captured by the CMOS camera. During the usual Borrmann topography adjustment procedure, no clear dislocation images were recognized on the monitor.

[Figure 4]
Figure 4
Reflection spots on a fluorescent sheet. (a) Directly transmitted X-ray beam denoted as `0', (b) direct beam and 111 reflected beam (suggesting the usual Borrmann case) and (c) direct beam and 111 and [\bar111] reflected beams (suggesting the super-Borrmann case).

Fig. 5[link] shows one of the topographs taken under the super-Borrmann conditions shown in Fig. 4[link](c) using a pair of 111 and [\bar111] reflections without deformation correction. Considering the X-ray source is approximately 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm in size, four shots of topographic images are pasted together to achieve a wide-area topograph. Regarding the usual Borrmann topography (two-beam case), the images of the dis­locations correspond to local lower transmitted intensities (in the forward-refracted direction) or lower diffraction intensities (along the diffraction direction), since crystal imperfection can destroy the Borrmann effect. This is also true for the current super-Borrmann topography (three-beam case), since double excitation of the 111 and [\bar111] reflections only enhances the Borrmann effect, i.e. black contrast on the camera monitor corresponds to the local lower diffraction intensity and white contrast corresponds to the local higher intensity, a phenomenon contradictory to that on negative film.

[Figure 5]
Figure 5
X-ray topograph of a germanium slab taken by simultaneous 111 and [\bar111] reflections without deformation correction. Four shots of images are pasted together to obtain a wide-area topograph.

There are four combinations of two adjacent 111 reflections, i.e. 111 and [\bar111] reflections (called A-type), [\bar111] and [\bar1\bar11] reflections (B-type), [\bar1\bar11] and [1\bar11] reflections (C-type), and [1\bar11] and 111 reflections (D-type). Additionally, there are two combinations of diagonal 111 reflections, i.e. 111 and [\bar1\bar11] reflections (E-type), and [\bar111] and [1\bar11] reflections (F-type). Therefore, if one observes dislocation images disappearing only in an A-type topograph, the dislocation should have a Burgers vector of [({1/2})\left[{01\bar1}\right]], considering this vector is commonly perpendicular to both [111] and [\left[{\bar111}\right]]. Similarly, from the invisibility rule g · b = 0, where g is the diffraction vector and b the dislocation Burgers vector, B-, C- and D-type topographs do not include any images of the dislocations with Burgers vectors of, respectively, ( 1/2)[101], (1/2)[011] and [({1/2})\left[{\bar101}\right]]. However, the combination of diagonal 111 reflections (E- and F-type) does not develop into the super-Borrmann effect owing to the existence of χ220 instead of χ200 in equation (2)[link]. According to the partial lack of the super-Borrmann conditions, Burgers vectors of all the dislocations cannot be determined completely by only observing the A-, B-, C- and D-type topographs. Nevertheless, we can conclude that the Burgers vector of the dislocations dis­appearing only on the A-type topograph should belong to [({1/2})\left[{01\bar1}\right]]. For example, some parts of A- and B-type topographs are shown in Figs. 6[link](a) and 6[link](b), respectively, for the same part of the specimen. The dislocation configurations circled in red can be seen in both topographs.

[Figure 6]
Figure 6
X-ray topographs of a germanium slab taken by (a) simultaneous 111 and [\bar111] reflections and (b) simultaneous [\bar111] and [\bar1\bar11] reflections with deformation correction where dislocation configurations circled in red in (a) and (b) correspond to each other.

5. Conclusions

In this study, we conducted synchrotron X-ray topography exerting the super-Borrmann effect for imaging dislocations using a CMOS camera. Forward-transmitted X-rays can reveal dislocations in relatively thick crystals by simultaneously exciting a pair of adjacent {111} planes owing to the super-Borrmann effect. Super-Borrmann topographs can be captured for relatively thick crystals, even when a conventional Lang X-ray topography technique is difficult to apply.

Prior to the experiment, the minimum attenuation coefficients [A_{{\rm{min}}}^{{\sigma}}] and [A_{{\rm{min}}}^{{\pi}}] for σ- and π-polarizations, respectively, of the incident X-rays in the three-beam (super-Borrmann) case were calculated. It was found that [A_{{\rm{min}}}^{{\sigma}}] and [A_{{\rm{min}}}^{{\pi}}] were almost 20 times larger than those in the two-beam (usual Borrmann effect) case.

Although it is possible to determine Burgers vectors for some of the dislocations based on the invisibility criteria, it is difficult to finalize the Burgers vectors of most dislocations considering that the employment of a pair of diagonal {111} planes does not produce the super-Borrmann effect.

In addition to the topographs taken by employing forward-transmitted X-rays under multiple-diffraction conditions (bright-field X-ray topographs), the forward-transmitted X-rays riding on the super-Borrmann effect also reveal dislocations existing in comparatively thick crystals by simultaneously exciting a pair of adjacent {111} planes such as (111) and [\left({\bar111}\right)]. Therefore, this study deals with X-ray topography using synchrotron radiation performed under three-beam multiple diffraction conditions exerting the super-Borrmann effect for thick Ge crystals. Future research will attempt to experimentally detect dislocation behaviors around the very initial growth stage in the necking parts of dislocation-free silicon crystals.

It was clarified that forward-transmitted X-rays using synchrotron radiation can be used to confirm the efficacy for capturing topographs not only under usual multiple diffraction conditions but also under super-Borrmann conditions.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Messrs Y. Itoh and Y. Namioka for help with the X-ray topography experiments and Dr Umeno for discussions about the super-Borrmann effect. The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL24XU of SPring-8 with approval from the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Proposal Nos. 2019B3202, 2020A3202, 2021A3202, 2021B3202).

References

First citationAfanasev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1975). Phys. Status Solidi A, 28, 61–70.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationAfanas'ev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1976). Acta Cryst. A32, 308–310.  CrossRef IUCr Journals Google Scholar
First citationAfanas'ev, A. M. & Kohn, V. G. (1977). Acta Cryst. A33, 178–184.  CrossRef CAS IUCr Journals Web of Science Google Scholar
First citationAuthier, A. (2001). Dynamical Theory of X-ray Diffraction, pp. 225–248. Oxford University Press.  Google Scholar
First citationBorrmann, G. & Hartwig, W. (1965). Z. Krystallogr. 121, 401–409.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationFeldman, R. & Post, B. (1972). Phys. Status Solidi A, 12, 273–276.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationHildebrandt, G. (1966). Phys. Status Solidi B, 15, K131–K134.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationHildebrandt, G. (1967). Phys. Status Solidi B, 24, 245–261.  CrossRef Google Scholar
First citationHildebrandt, G. (1978). Krist. Techn. 13, 1095–1104.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationHondoh, T., Goto, A., Hoshi, R., Ono, T., Anzai, H., Kawase, R., Pimienta, P. & Mae, S. (1989). Rev. Sci. Instrum. 60, 2494–2497.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationJoko, T. & Fukuhara, A. (1967). J. Phys. Soc. Jpn, 22, 597–604.  CrossRef CAS Web of Science Google Scholar
First citationLang, A. R. (1998). Cryst. Res. Technol. 33, 613–623.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationOkitsu, K. (2003). Acta Cryst. A59, 235–244.  Web of Science CrossRef CAS IUCr Journals Google Scholar
First citationOkitsu, K., Imai, Y., Ueji, Y. & Yoda, Y. (2003). Acta Cryst. A59, 311–316.  Web of Science CrossRef CAS IUCr Journals Google Scholar
First citationReninger, M. (1937a). Z. Phys. 106, 141–176.  Google Scholar
First citationReninger, M. (1937b). Z. Kristallogr. 97, 107–121.  Google Scholar
First citationTsusaka, Y., Mizuochi, H., Imanishi, M., Imade, M., Mori, Y. & Matsui, J. (2019). J. Appl. Phys. 125, 125105.  CrossRef Google Scholar
First citationTsusaka, Y., Takeda, S., Takano, H., Yokoyama, K., Kagoshima, Y. & Matsui, J. (2016). Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 023701.  Web of Science CrossRef PubMed Google Scholar
First citationTsusaka, Y., Yokoyama, K., Takeda, S., Takai, K., Kagoshima, Y. & Matsui, J. (2001). Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 467–468, 670–673.  Web of Science CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationUebach, W. & Hildebrandt, G. (1969). Z. Kristallogr. 129, 1–8.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationUmeno, M. (1972). Phys. Status Solidi A, 11, 501–511.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar
First citationUmeno, M. & Hildebrandt, G. (1975). Phys. Status Solidi A, 31, 583–594.  CrossRef CAS Google Scholar

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) Licence, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original authors and source are cited.

Journal logoJOURNAL OF
SYNCHROTRON
RADIATION
ISSN: 1600-5775
Follow J. Synchrotron Rad.
Sign up for e-alerts
Follow J. Synchrotron Rad. on Twitter
Follow us on facebook
Sign up for RSS feeds