Development of band patterns in surface films: A simple theory

N. H. Fletcher

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Semiconductor technology often employs thin films deposited on crystal surfaces, and in some cases these films can self-organize into band, ring or spiral patterns during annealing. A simple theory is proposed which predicts the stability or instability of such films and, in the case of instability, the band spacing, which depends upon bulk, surface and interfacial free energies. This information could be of use in self-assembly techniques. In some cases, bands condense into particle arrays upon further annealing, and a theoretical model is developed to predict the subsequent evolution of circular band patterns by diffusion, which causes the regular disappearance of alternate bands.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3975-3985
    Number of pages11
    JournalPhilosophical Magazine
    Volume90
    Issue number30
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2010

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