FORMATION AND GROWTH OF AN ALPHA-PBF2 PHASE DURING THE PLASTIC-DEFORMATION OF BETA-PBF2 CRYSTALS

The microstructure of strained beta-PbF2 crystals is investigated by o ptical and scanning electron microscopy. It is established that the al pha-PbF2 previously observed by x-ray diffraction methods during the s training of cubic PbF2 nucleates predominantly on structural defects l ike slip lines and bands. The kinetics of the growth of alpha-PbF2 par ticles during the straining of beta-PbF2 crystals and during a postdef ormation anneal is investigated. The results of the experiments point to the involvement of diffusion in the growth of alpha-PbF2. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.