Electron Microscopy and X-ray Structural Investigations of Incommensurate Spin-Ladder Sr$\text{}_{4.1}$Ca$\text{}_{4.7}$Bi$\text{}_{0.3}$Cu$\text{}_{17}$O$\text{}_{29}$ Single Crystals

Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction proved chain ladder incommensurate single crystal structure of investigated samples. The incommensurate ratio was determined from the X-ray and electron diffraction being equal to 0.704. Diffuse scattering intensities localised on the planes perpendicular to the c*-axis and passing through the spots originating from the periodicity of chain sublattice were detected. High-angle grain boundary or twinning formed by rotation of 33.3° around [100] direction was observed. High-resolution electron microscopy images revealed the stacking faults in ac planes.