Surface morphology of {100} faces of L-arginine phosphate monohydrate single crystals investigated by atomic force microscopy

Surface morphology of {100} faces of LAP crystals was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both the steps and the two-dimensional nuclei elongate along the b direction, which is determined by the crystal structure. Fluctuations in the growth conditions could result in the formation of protuberances on the step fronts. Tree-like growth belts are initially observed on LAP crystals. It is assumed that the formation is caused by uneven liquid flow of the mother solution.