Split-soliton modulations in incommensurate phases

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Abstract
It is demonstrated that the amplitude profile of an incommensurately modulated structure may square up into an alternating series of split (or stepped) solitons. This contrasts with the usual picture of simple crest-trough-crest-. . .solitons as envisaged, for example in many treatments of incommensurate-commensurate lock-in phase transitions. The origin of the split-soliton structure and the conditions required for its occurrence are discussed in terms of the McConnell mechanism for incommensurate structures involving two interacting order parameters. The application of the split-soliton concept to the mineral mullite and to the (001) surfaces of Mo and W is discussed briefly.