Low index surfaces of zinc oxide were examined using reflection electron microscopy. Individual dislocations were observed and identified using both the diffraction and phase contrast mechanisms. Sub-surface dislocations lying at least 2μm beneath the surface have also been imaged. Most of the dislocations lie on the basal plane, but some were also observed on pyramidal planes. Under the action of the incident electron beam, abrupt dislocation motion was observed. This effect was greatest for observations on basal planes of sub-surface basal dislocations.

Reflection Electron Microscopy Observations of Dislocations and Dislocation Motion in Zinc Oxide. Peng, L.M., Czernuszka, J.T.: Philosophical Magazine A, 1991, 64[3], 533-41