It was noted that the dislocation density tensor could be used to localize the dislocation core. A method was presented for experimentally deducing the dislocation core location and size, from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations, using geometrical phase analysis. Experimental results were then compared with the results of atomistic simulations, and the applicability of continuum elasticity and its modifications for describing these results were also evaluated. The analysis was performed for partial dislocations in wurtzite GaN. Higher-order gradient elasticity theory was found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.

Dislocation Core Investigation by Geometric Phase Analysis and the Dislocation Density Tensor. J.Kioseoglou, G.P.Dimitrakopulos, P.Komninou, T.Karakostas, E.C.Aifantis: Journal of Physics D, 2008, 41[3], 035408 (8pp)