A contiuum model for low temperature relaxation of crystal steps

摘要

High and low temperature relaxation of crystal steps are described in aunified picture, using a continuum model based on a modified expression of thestep free energy. Results are in agreement with experiments and Monte Carlosimulations of step fluctuations and monolayer cluster diffusion andrelaxation. In an extended model where mass exchange with neighboring terracesis allowed, step transparency and a low temperature regime for unstable stepmeandering are found.