Anisotropic growth of twinned cubic crystals

The anisotropic growth of twinned platelets having a cubic crystal structure is examined by a ball-model simulation of the growth process. The simulation has suggested that the long-accepted growth mechanism, which relies on the self-regenerating {111} faceted-side-face structure, may need revision. Such a side-face structure is likely to transform into a different structure where the twin bands are bound by {100} planes. Experimental evidence is presented to support this structure for the silver halide system.