An analytical method for the determination of the geometric and kinetic features of growing crystal faces

The article deals with a method of analysis of the ΔI(t) curves giving the intensity variations of the light transmitted through a crystal face on which growth steps are spreading out. The method is based on the coupled investigation of both ΔI(t) and d³(ΔI)/dt³ and allows the characterization of the profile even when the crystal is weakly birefringent, and the determination of the spread velocity, both for a single step entering the measurement field and for a group of steps.