Characterization of Lattice Defects and Concomitant Strain Distribution

Abstract

AbstractA number of X-ray methods characterizing lattice defects are described. They were developed in response to a variety of challenging problems in materials science, A method based on a computer-aided rocking curve analysis, CARCA, was developed which offers a rapid mapping of the dislocation structure in an epitaxial film, as well as a tensor analysis of nonuniform elastic strains. Characterization methods were developed in an attempt at bridging, systematically, the gap between micro and macromechanics when the problem arose to clarify the distribution of elastic strains emanating from stress concentrators such as notches, cracks, holes and to elucidate strain interactions. Gradients of elastic strains were characterized by a method of local intensity measurements. For crystal with homogeneous elastic strain distribution a tensor analysis is described, based on precision measurements obtained by the backreflection divergent beam method. A direct linkage between the imaging of the micro structure by TEM and the macro-response of deformation and recovery of commercial alloys was achieved by a version of the CARCA method, designed to characterize the lattice defects in polycrystalline materials. Example applications of the methods are presented with the hope that their usefulness may find adaptations in other areas of investigation.