Observation of domains in the helical phase of MnP

Chirality domains differentiated by the sense of rotation of the spiral are observed by polarized neutron diffraction topography in single crystals of MnP. They mainly occur as stripes perpendicular to the helix axis about 150 μm in width and several mm in length.The domain patterns and senses of spiral are repeatable on thermal cycling though polishing or application of a uniaxial stress modifies the domain structure and relative volumes. Grossly unbalanced domain populations have been observed.