Growth and surface studies on triglycine sulpho-phosphate (TGSP) single crystals

Growth of triglycine sulpho-phosphate (TGSP) crystals using fabricated and as grown seeds and at three different pH values is reported. Large size crystals with wide plane perpendicular to the ferroelectric axis have been grown by adjusting the pH of the solution and by choosing c-cut seeds. Morphological changes due to pH variations have been identified. Optical microscopic examination of the freshly harvested crystal surface reveals etch pits, spirals and flat topped hillocks. A scanning electron microscope, in the secondary electron emission mode has been employed to observe the cleavage surface and domain structure on TGSP crystal without metallization of the surface. Low accelerating voltage and low probe current have been used to probe the surface to avoid the charging effect. In the absence of charging effect the domains observed are found to be static. There is no change in the domain structure due to phosphate addition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.