Electronmicroscopic Observations of the Cleavage Plane of KCl Crystal

—the Deformation Zone—

Abstract

The deformation zone of KCl single crystal decorated with potassium colloid particles is investigated with electron microscope using a replica technique. The deformation zone is formed independently on the imperfections contained originally in the crystal. The slip lines near the deformation zone observed with light microscope are consisted of a number of fine slip lamellae. The thickness D of the slip lamella, the slip distance s and the height h of the slip step were estimated as D=720A, s=270A and h=240A for three adjacent slip lines. It is suggested that several hundreds of screw type dislocations are attached to every new cleavage step at the deformation zone. The attempts were made for the explanation of the mechanism by which new cleavage steps are formed at the deformation zone.