Abstract: In this paper, the high resolution transmission electronic microscopy (HRTEM, resolution of 0.2 nm) is employed to observe the crystal structure of the developed silver filament from the nanometer-sized silver halide emulsions. We carry out the research work on the “empty tube” and the “core-thread” remaining in the tube after prolonged fixation. The results show that the thin string is a kind of polycrystal silver consisted of many crystalline grains, containing many microtwins and defects. There is no difference in the crystal structures between silver filaments and the core-thread. Besides, according to our observation, the empty tube is another kind carbon nanotube made up of amorphous carbon. The reaction in the empty carbon tube may become a distinctive method to prepare the various thinner nanometer-sized string.

Key words: empty tube, development, nanometer-sized silver filament