Crystal layers, growth/cleavage

Fig. 7.1 Greatly simplified model of the formation of crystal layers by the alternation of growth and cleavage...

Although when examined using optical or even electron microscopy, crystal surfaces appear smooth, this is rarely the case. Techniques such as AFM and STM and optical interference methods (see Chap. 7) show that both growth and cleavage surfaces consist of terraces separated by steps which can be as little as one atomic layer... 

Crystal growth induced steps (n x 9 A) on the heulandite (010) surface are either one or multiple tetrahedral layers thick [45]. Similar features have previously been observed on (010) cleavage plates [42]. In addition, growth spirals [44] and etch pits [38] on heulandite (010) faces were imaged. 

Fig. 27. Evidence for one-dimcnsional chain growth in layer perovskites Fibrous structure of polymerized compound 99a, obtained upon mechanical cleavage of crystals shown in Fig. 25. Insert Electron diffraction pattern of a polymeric fiber...

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