EX-SITU INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE-TOPOGRAPHY OF AS-GROWN POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE CRYSTALS BY ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY

Surface topographies of the {100} and {101} faces of as-grown potassiu m dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals were observed ex situ by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Growth hillocks, step bunching, growth spirals , 2D nucleus and hollow cores were detected. AFM images provided quali tative features and quantitative data on crystals grown under differen t conditions, which are in quite good agreement with theoretical descr iption, A discussion of the experimental problems concerning the use O f the AFM is also included.