Silicon Σ13 501 grain boundary interface structure determined by bicrystal Bragg rod x-ray scattering

The atomic structure of the silicon Σ13(501) symmetric tilt grain boundary interface has been determined using Bragg rod x-ray scattering. In contrast to conventional structural studies of grain boundary structure using transmission electron microscopy this approach allows the non-destructive measurement of macroscopic samples. The interface was found to have a single structure that is fully four-fold coordinated. X-ray diffraction data were measured at Beamline I07 at the Diamond Light Source.