GROWTH AND SURFACE STUDIES ON TRIGLYCINE SULFO-PHOSPHATE (TGSP) SINGLE-CRYSTALS

Growth of triglycine sulpho-phosphate (TGSP) crystals using fabricated and as grown seeds and at three different pH values is reported. Larg e size crystals with wide plane perpendicular to the ferroelectric axi s have been grown by adjusting the pH of the solution and by choosing c-cut seeds. Morphological changes due to pH variations have been iden tified. Optical microscopic examination of the freshly harvested cryst al surface reveals etch pits, spirals and flat topped hillocks. A scan ning electron microscope, in the secondary electron emission mode has been employed to observe the cleavage surface and domain structure on TGSP crystal without metallization of the surface. Low accelerating vo ltage and low probe current have been used to probe the surface to avo id the charging effect. In the absence of charging effect the domains observed are found to be static. There is no change in the domain stru cture due to phosphate addition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.