Shape oscillations in growth of small crystals

J. Tersoff, A. W. Denier van der Gon, and R. M. Tromp
Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1143 – Published 22 February 1993
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Abstract

The equilibrium shape of a large crystal is uniquely determined by the anisotropic surface energy. In sharp contrast, we show here that the equilibrium shape of a small crystal is not unique, for temperatures below the roughening temperature. Instead, the degree of faceting is an oscillatory function of crystal size. Using low-energy electron microscopy, we observe oscillations in the shape of silver crystallites as they grow; we demonstrate theoretically that such oscillations with size occur even in thermodynamic equilibrium.

  • Received 21 September 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.70.1143

©1993 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. Tersoff, A. W. Denier van der Gon, and R. M. Tromp

  • IBM Research Division, Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598

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Issue

Vol. 70, Iss. 8 — 22 February 1993

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