X-ray diffraction studies of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal surfaces

We have studied the surface atomic structure of KDP crystals using X-ray sc attering. These crystals were grown from an aqueous solution and we have do ne measurements both ex situ and in situ, The ex situ measurements were per formed in vacuum or in air. In order to be able to do in situ measurements, we designed and built a crystal growth chamber which is compatible with X- ray diffraction experiments. The atomic arrangement of the two naturally ex isting faces of KDP has been determined. Preliminary results are presented of measurements performed during growth, Furthermore, the influence of meta l impurities on the atomic structure of the growing interface is examined, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.