Crystal Lattice Defects And Dislocation Dynamics

Dislocations in solids are peculiar among numerous defects in the crystal lattice. From the viewpoint of dimensionality, dislocation represents one-dimensional defect, translationally invariant along its axis. Physically, it is a topological defect, i.e. a fictitious formation violating the lattice symmetry. As a result, dislocations have a significant effect on various electric and optical characteristics of metals, as well as semiconductors. This book reviews the state of experiment and theory concerning the principal mechanisms of dislocational motion. Depending on the value of applied load, dislocation dynamics is considered in the Peierls potential relief, random field of point defects, or under interaction with free electrons.