The R8-BC8 phases and crystal growth in monocrystalline silicon under microindentation with a spherical indenter

The morphology and distribution of high-pressure metastable phases BC8 and R8, formed in monocrystalline silicon under microindentation, were identified and assessed using transmission electron microscopy nanodiffraction analysis. It was discovered that the crystal growth inside the transformation zone was stress-dependent with large crystals in its central region. The crystal size could also be increased using higher maximum indentation loads. The BC8 and R8 phases distributed unevenly across the transformation zone, with BC8 crystals mainly in the center of the zone and smaller R8 fragments in the peripheral regions. Such phase distribution was in agreement with the theoretical residual stress analysis.

Crystalline lanthanum hydroxycarbonates with controlled phases and varied morphologies prepared on non-crystalline substrates

Lanthanum hydroxycarbonate crystals with controlled phases and varied morphologies were prepared on the surface of a non-crystalline substrate, glass. The phases and morphologies of the crystals were controlled conveniently by varying the reaction temperature and the quantity of starting materials. Orthorhombic crystals were obtained at 160 degreesC, distributed individually on the substrate and had a flaky rhombic shape. Hexagonal crystals were obtained at 180 degreesC. The crystals had a rhomboidal shape, were uniform and continuous enough to form a solid film on the substrate. The substrates were corroded under the hydrothermal conditions and offered a coarse surface for the crystal growth. The hexagonal lanthanum hydroxycarbonate was discovered to show significant second harmonic generation, which would be of interest for developing novel optical materials. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.