The dislocation structures in single crystals during cyclic straining were studied by using the electron channelling contrast technique of scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that the typical dislocation structures which were observed were in good agreement with those observed by using transmission electron microscopy. The electron channelling contrast technique of scanning electron microscopy clearly revealed the evolution of the dislocation structure: from loop patches of matrix which formed at lower strain amplitudes, to labyrinths which formed at higher strain amplitudes. The dislocation microstructure in the deformation band, which was quite different to that in the surrounding matrix, could also be observed by using this technique.

Investigation of Dislocation Structure in a Cyclically Deformed Copper Single Crystal using Electron Channelling Contrast Technique in SEM X.W.Li, Y.M.Hu, Z.G.Wang: Materials Science and Engineering A, 1998, 248, 299-303