Formation of Ge nanoripples on vicinal si (1110): From Stranski-Krastanow seeds to a perfectly faceted wetting layer

G. Chen, B. Sanduijav, D. Matei, G. Springholz, D. Scopece, M. J. Beck, F. Montalenti, L. Miglio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ge growth on high-indexed Si (1110) is shown to result in the spontaneous formation of a perfectly {105} faceted one-dimensional nanoripple structure. This evolution differs from the usual Stranski-Krastanow growth mode because from initial ripple seeds a faceted Ge layer is formed that extends down to the heterointerface. Ab initio calculations reveal that ripple formation is mainly driven by lowering of surface energy rather than by elastic strain relief and the onset is governed by the edge energy of the ripple facets. Wavelike ripple replication is identified as an effective kinetic pathway for the transformation process.

Original languageEnglish
Article number055503
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume108
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 31 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (all)

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