English

A contiuum model for low temperature relaxation of crystal steps

Statistical Mechanics 2009-11-07 v1 Materials Science

Abstract

High and low temperature relaxation of crystal steps are described in a unified picture, using a continuum model based on a modified expression of the step free energy. Results are in agreement with experiments and Monte Carlo simulations of step fluctuations and monolayer cluster diffusion and relaxation. In an extended model where mass exchange with neighboring terraces is allowed, step transparency and a low temperature regime for unstable step meandering are found.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0104235,
  title  = {A contiuum model for low temperature relaxation of crystal steps},
  author = {O. Pierre-Louis},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0104235},
  year   = {2009}
}

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Submitted to Phys.Rev.Lett