Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of ion-induced ripple formation: Dependence on flux, temperature, and defect concentration in the linear regime
- Division of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 (United States)
Low-energy ion bombardment produces spontaneous periodic structures (sputter ripples) on many surfaces. Continuum theories describe the pattern formation in terms of ion-surface interactions and surface relaxation kinetics, but many features of these models (such as defect concentration) are unknown or difficult to determine. In this work, we present results of kinetic Monte Carlo simulations that model surface evolution using discrete atomistic versions of the physical processes included in the continuum theories. From simulations over a range of parameters, we obtain the dependence of the ripple growth rate, wavelength, and velocity on the ion flux and temperature. The results are discussed in terms of the thermally dependent concentration and diffusivity of ion-induced surface defects. We find that in the early stages of ripple formation the simulation results are surprisingly well described by the predictions of the continuum theory, in spite of simplifying approximations used in the continuum model.
- OSTI ID:
- 20853957
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 74, Issue 22; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.74.224103; (c) 2006 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1098-0121
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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