Evolution of two-dimensional wormlike nanoclusters on metal surfaces.
A pinch-off phenomenon is discovered in the evolution of 2D wormlike nanoclusters formed in homoepitaxial adlayers. This feature is shown to distinguish mass transport via periphery diffusion from other mechanisms. Continuum modeling of such evolution accurately describes experimental observations, particularly if one incorporates the anisotropy in step-edge line tension.
Pai
W W
WW
Solid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee 37831, USA.
Wendelken
J F
JF
Stoldt
C R
CR
Thiel
P A
PA
Evans
J W
JW
Liu
D J
DJ