Observation of Domain Structures Near the α-INC-β Phase Boundary in Quartz Using X-ray Topography

Abstract

The domain structures near the α-INC-β phase boundary in quartz were simultaneously observed using synchrotron radiation X-ray topography and optical microscopy. In (1–10) topographic images of Z-cut samples, a fine structure corresponding to the “m-zone” in the optical microscopic image was observed. In (3–31) topographic image, at the “fog-zone” of the α phase side, a marble-like domain, which has never been seen before, with clear contrast was observed. A section topography of the marble-like domain showed that this domain formed a needle shape along the Z-axis. Therefore, the boundary of these domains is the origin of the property of opalescence.

Keywords:

• Structural phase transition
• quartz
• domain structure

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Hiroshi Sugiyama for his helpful advice on experimental techniques at the Photon Factory of KEK.