Growth and dissolution kinetics of step structure

The asymmetry between growth and dissolution is examined by studying the no nequilibrium structure of a [1 0 0] step on a (0 0 1) surface of the Kossel crystal by a model in which densities of adatoms and vacancies on the step are treated as independent variables and the motion of kinks along the ste p is taken into account. Calculation of the steady-state density of kinks a nd growth and dissolution rates shows strong asymmetry of growth and dissol ution processes even for the case of low temperatures and small supersatura tions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.