Dynamics of Shape Relaxation in Micro-Crystals Realization of the Equilibrium Shape and Decay of an Island

摘要

Step dynamics is crucial for the growth of a crystal at temperatures lower than the roughening transition. Recent advancement of microscopy has made direct comparison of statistical theory and quantitative atomic scale experiment possible. A short review of basic ideas on the motion of steps and its application to the shape relaxation in micro-crystals is presented. Problems such as realization of the equilibrium shape of a micron size crystal and decay of a 3 D island on a substrate are discussed.