# chem: strange labyrinth structures when a crystal is split in two

<< what happens when the periodic pattern [of a ionic crystal] comes to an abrupt end? >>

<< If one splits a cubic crystal along a certain direction, one can end up with only positive or only negative charges at the surface. Such a situation would be highly unstable >>

<< Strangely though, by raising the temperature of the surface slightly, the islands break apart and the atoms form a labyrinth of jagged lines >>

<< The labyrinth structures are not only beautiful ... >>

Vienna University of Technology. Strange things happen when a crystal is split in two. Feb 2, 2018.

https://m.phys.org/news/2018-02-strange-crystal.html 

Martin Setvin, Michele Reticcioli, et al. Polarity compensation mechanisms on the perovskite surface KTaO3(001). Science. 2018; 359 (6375): 572 - 5. doi: 10.1126/science.aar2287. Feb 2, 2018.

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6375/572