Effect of Microgravity on Interface Structural Features in Space Crystal Growth

The distribution of Ca²⁺ at boundary layer of α-LiIO₃ crystal grown both in space and on earth was studied by the synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microanalysis. It was found that: (1) the Ca²⁺ concentration in the space-crystal is higher than that in the earth-crystal, (2) a sharp discontinuity of Ca²⁺ concentration is found at boundary layers of space-crystals alone. This finding provides an evidence of microgravity effect on interface structural features in space crystal growth.