Development of band patterns in surface films: A simple theory

Abstract

Semiconductor technology often employs thin films deposited on crystal surfaces, and in some cases these films can self-organize into band, ring or spiral patterns during annealing. A simple theory is proposed which predicts the stability or instability of such films and, in the case of instability, the band spacing, which depends upon bulk, surface and interfacial free energies. This information could be of use in self-assembly techniques. In some cases, bands condense into particle arrays upon further annealing, and a theoretical model is developed to predict the subsequent evolution of circular band patterns by diffusion, which causes the regular disappearance of alternate bands.

Keywords:

• band patterns
• thin films
• Ostwald ripening
• rings
• surface diffusion
• nanoparticles