Self-organization of steps in growth of strained films on vicinal substrates

Abstract

Computer simulations show that if stress is present, steps on a vicinal surface can self-organize into a regular array of step bunches. Such self-organization can provide templates for subsequent fabrication of “quantum wire” nanostructures. The size and spacing of the bunches can be controlled independently. We analyze the requirements for optimal ordering. © 1998 American Physical Society.