Scaling Description of Sub-Monolayer Epitaxial Growth

Abstract

ABSTRACTRecent experimental results aimed at the measurement of surface diffusion constants by use of scanning tunnelling microscopy and diffraction techniques have reawakened interest in the statistical properties of two-dimensional island nucleation and growth in the submonolayer regime. Classical homogeneous rate equation studies published over twenty years ago established a simple relationship among the number density of stable islands, the deposition flux, and the adatom surface diffusion constant. Recent Monte Carlo simulation studies confirm this prediction and considerably extend the scope of such a scaling description of submonolayer epitaxial growth. In this article, I review the current status of theory and experiment in this area and suggest some areas for future research.