Bistability in the Shape Transition of Strained Islands

H. J. W. Zandvliet and R. van Gastel
Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 136103 – Published 28 September 2007

Abstract

The equilibrium shape of a monatomic strained island on a substrate depends on the step free energies and the difference in surface stress between the island and the substrate. For small island sizes the step free energies dominate, resulting in compact islands. Beyond a critical island size, however, the strain energy becomes dominant and the island maximizes its perimeter, resulting in elongated islands. Here we show that for strained islands with force monopoles pointing in opposing directions at neighboring steps, a regime exists near the critical island size where both compact and elongated shapes can coexist.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 11 June 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.136103

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

H. J. W. Zandvliet1 and R. van Gastel2

  • 1Physical Aspects of Nanoelectronics, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
  • 2Solid State Physics, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 99, Iss. 13 — 28 September 2007

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×