Spiral growth on graphite

Abstract

SPIRAL growth patterns have been observed on natural graphite. Typical spirals are shown in the accompanying photographs. The spirals have been predominantly hexagonal, although some with curved edges, particularly at the centre of the spiral, have been noted. The step-heights vary widely; the step-height of the spiral shown in (b) is about 500 A., those in (c) and (e) are apparently many orders larger. Photograph (d) shows a double spiral and serves at the same time to give an idea of the density of spiral patterns. Areas have been noted in which the density of spirals is of the order of 104 per cm.2. © 1952 Nature Publishing Group.