The field-induced transition of lead hafnate to the polar phase was observed for the first time by in situ diffraction. The obtained field dependencies of reflections in the reciprocal space of the sample have a number of interesting features which allow us to expand our understanding of domain kinetics in this type of material.

A laboratory X-ray topography technique is presented. One of the advantages of this technique is that it can be used to visualize dislocations in non-polished and non-planar crystals with a very pronounced surface profile.

The crystal structure of novel quaternary intermetallic compounds R2MoSi2C (R = Y, Gd) has been investigated using single crystal X-ray diffraction. These new carbides crystallize in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm.

The crystal structure and surface layers of superprotonic conductor caesium hydrogen sulfate phosphate have been investigated by neutron diffraction and atomic force microscopy methods. Accurate data on their hydrogen bonding and surface characteristics have been obtained.