Relaxation of geometrical frustration in NbSe₃ topological crystals

Here we report the structural study of NbSe3 topological crystals via synchrotron x-ray measurements on individual microcrystals. Topological crystals are characterized by the shape of a ring or a twisted loop, thereby representing a translational and orientational order confined in topologically nontrivial, curved geometries. The crystal lattice of topological crystals is under considerable amount of strain. The volume-averaged strain asymptotically increases with thickness and curvature of a crystal. We present a structural model in which a ring crystal is composed of well-ordered domains in the shape of concentric cylinders. The internal structure reflects periodic accumulation and release of strain during the growth.