NACL CLUSTERS ON MGO(001) - A MODEL SYSTEM TO EXPLORE INTERFACIAL CRYSTAL-GROWTH, NUCLEATION, AND GRAIN-BOUNDARY FORMATION

We present a method for constructing interface models, based on the se quential deposition of ions on a substrate surface in conjunction with energy minimization. The results provide information on how the subst rate directs the growth of the overlying material and show that as wel l as factors arising from the misfit between the two materials, both s urface steps or defects, may lead to the formation of grain boundaries in the overlying thin film, with implications for supported supercond ucting thin films and catalysis. [S0163-1829(97)00747-9].