Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
The application of relatively low resolution x-ray topography methods, typically ∿ 1 micrometer, is limited in studies which involve large scale dislocation networks. However, the ability to non-destructively image wide areas for “thick” specimens at high intensity with a tunable x-ray source makes the synchrotron an ideal probe for a range of problems previously inaccessible by other methods. Some examples will be discussed such as: (a) crack initiation and propagation in fatigued bicrystals, (b) real-time in situ plastic deformation studies in strain-annealed Mo crystals, and (c) strain distributions in vapor deposited and LPE thin films on Si and GaAs substrates.