Description
In the island growth mechanism, a new phase or layer begins with the development of stable islands (nucleating seeds) whose size is larger than critical size. As the process progresses, the size of the islands increases, followed by the coalescence of islands and the establishment of a continuous layer. Depending on the conditions of growth, islands may be sized from several atoms to several microns. Islands can be three-, two- and one-dimensional and can be made from the same material as the substrate or a different material.
Authors
- Zotov Andrey V.
- Saranin Alexander A.