Electron microscopy and X-ray structural investigations of incommensurate spin-ladder Sr4.1Ca4.7Bi0.3Cu17O29 single crystals

Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction proved chain/ladder incommensurate single crystal structure of investigated samples. The incomm ensurate ratio was determined from the X-ray and electron diffraction being equal to 0.704. Diffuse scattering intensities localised on the planes per pendicular to the c*-axis and passing through the spots originating from th e periodicity of chain sublattice were detected. High-angle grain boundary or twinning formed by rotation of 33.3 degrees around [100] direction was o bserved. High-resolution electron microscopy images revealed the stacking f aults in ac planes.