Abstract (may include machine translation)
We demonstrate that for surfaces that have a nonzero Schwoebel barrier, the application of an ac field parallel to the surface will induce a net electromigration current. Most important, the direction of the net current will be always downhill; i.e. it will point in the step-down direction. The magnitude of this equilibrium current is calculated analytically, and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. A downhill current is known to smooth the surface, thus we suggest that the application of ac fields during annealing might aid the smoothing process and during growth it has the potential to slow or eliminate the Schwoebel barrier induced mound formation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 39-44 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings |
Volume | 570 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Proceedings of the 1999 MRS Spring Meeting - Symposium on 'Epitaxial Growth-Principles and Applications' - San Frnacisco, CA, USA Duration: 5 Apr 1999 → 8 Apr 1999 |