Multiplicity of atomic structure for Σ = 17/[001] symmetrical tilt boundaries in gold

The first direct observations of structural multiplicity in a metal at atomic resolutions are reported upon. Here two different metastable structures of Σ = 17/[001] 28.1° (410) symmetrical tilt boundaries in gold have been observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. These boundaries can be described in terms of structural units that are consistent with earlier atomistic computer modelling studies which have found that similar minimum energy states exists in boundaries near the Σ = 17 misorientation. © 1990.