Studies of CdI2-Bi3 microstructures with optical methods, atomic force microscopy and positron annihilation spectroscopy

Results of the comprehensive morphological study of CdI2-BiI3 layered crystals are presented. Direct AFM observations of micro- and nanostructures formed in the volume of the crystals confirm the predictions made on the basis of positron annihilation spectroscopy studies. The model explaining the possible pores formation mechanism is proposed and validated by the results of luminescence measurements at 8 K.