Combined field and scanning electron microscopy revealed that an electric field could transform a monocrystal into a polycrystal at temperatures where surface self-diffusion occurred. Formation of the polycrystal was evident in the scanning microscope, due to the appearance of grain boundary grooves. The present phenomenon was attributed to the effect of the mechanical stresses which were induced by the electric field.

M.Drechsler, H.Neddermeyer: Surface Science, 1989, 209[1-2], L118-24