Lateral alloy segregation in thin heteroepitaxial films

J. M. Reich, X. B. Niu, Y.-J. Lee, R. E. Caflisch, and C. Ratsch
Phys. Rev. B 79, 073405 – Published 13 February 2009

Abstract

Alloy segregation is believed to be an important factor in the growth of the wetting layer and subsequent formation of islands during heteroepitaxy. We report simulated annealing results that determine the lowest-energy configuration of a strained system. Our results indicate that in addition to vertical segregation, there is also an energetic driving force for lateral segregation and formation of subsurface features before island formation. We believe that these subsurface features play a crucial role in the nucleation of islands.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 6 June 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.79.073405

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. M. Reich1, X. B. Niu2, Y.-J. Lee1, R. E. Caflisch1,2, and C. Ratsch1,3

  • 1Department of Mathematics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
  • 2Department of Material Sciences and Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
  • 3Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 7 — 15 February 2009

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×