Crystalline quality in aluminium single crystals, characterized by X-Ray diffraction and Rocking-Curve analysis

Abstract: Aluminum single crystals are tested using X-Ray Bragg diffraction, which may have applications in microscopy and electronics fabrication industry. Yet, their efficiency for x- ray beam diffraction depends on the accurate crystal orientation, the microstructure and imperfections. Moreover, the final sample that is formed from the as-grown crystal by cutting, grinding, polishing and chemical etching, introduces various surface defects that penetrate deep into the crystal affecting its natural structure. Defect penetration is attributed to the fact that ultra-pure aluminum single crystals are soft and ductile with a hardness in the range of 2~2.5 mho. This leads to lattice deformation, resulting in a deviation from the crystallographic orientation of the final device, affecting the diffraction intensity and an apparent shift in the Bragg angle. In this work we investigate the influence of processing aluminum single crystals by mechanical and chemical means using XRD and Rocking-Curve broadening as a quantitative indication concerning the depth of the damage. This is a preliminary step in supporting future work on the study of electrical conduction in aluminum single crystals. Supplementing electrical conductivity measurements of aluminum, quality assessment of defects in front cell aluminum conductors can assist in designing novel low resistance aluminum conductors replacing the currently widely used and relatively rare silver.