Abstract
A kinetic theory is formulated for the velocity of a step edge in epitaxial growth. The formulation involves kinetic, mean-field equations for the density of kinks and “edge adatoms” along the step edge. Equilibrium and kinetic steady states, corresponding to zero and nonzero deposition flux, respectively, are derived for a periodic sequence of step edges. The theoretical results are compared to results from kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations of a simple solid-on-solid model, and excellent agreement is obtained. This theory provides a starting point for modeling the growth of two-dimensional islands in molecular-beam epitaxy through motion of their boundaries, as an alternative to KMC simulations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6879-6887 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Statistics and Probability
- Condensed Matter Physics