X-Ray diffraction revealed two intermediate phases in the system MnS+Er2S3,:MnEr2S4= MnS.Er2S3, and MnEr4S7= MnS.2Er2S3. Their structures may be described as NaCl type, chemically twinned at the unit cell level, and isostructural with CaTi2O4, and Y5S7 respectively; i.e. {l13} NaCl twin band widths are (4,4) and (4,3).The present study was to search for structurally-related (twinned B.) structures and or possible disorder, using the more sensitive and appropiate technigue of electron microscopy/diffraction.A sample with nominal composition MnEr2S4 was made by heating Mn3O4 and Er2O3 in a graphite crucible and a 5% H2S in Ar gas flow at 1500°C for 4 hours. A small amount of this material was thenannealed, in an alumina crucible, contained in sealed evacuated silica tube, for 24 days at 1100°C. Both samples were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, and in JEOL 2000 FX and 4000 EX microscopes.
Advanced instrumentation for spectral and spatial investigations
of high-order laser harmonics