One-dimensional model of strained epitaxy of a binary alloy

Abstract

We discuss the self-assembly of monatomic chains composed of atoms of two kinds on a periodic substrate. We assume that there exists a small positive misfit between the average atomic diameter of the deposited atoms and the substrate lattice parameter. This may cause chain size calibration. Our model calculations show that if the interatomic interactions are of ordering type, at low temperature the distribution of chain lengths at thermal equilibrium is more strongly peaked around the optimum length than in the case of chains composed from identical atoms.

Keywords:

• strained epitaxy
• self-assembly
• size distribution
• monatomic chains
• binary alloy
• thermal equilibrium

Acknowledgements

The authors thank CNRS for support of their collaboration and CINES for computational facilities. VIT expresses his gratitude to University Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg and IPCMS for their hospitality.