Oscillatory driving of crystal surfaces: A route to controlled pattern formation - art. no. 048701

We show that the oscillatory driving of crystal surfaces can induce pattern formation or smoothening. Depending on driving conditions, step bunching a nd meandering, mound formation, or surface smoothening may be seen in the p resence of a kinetic asymmetry at the steps or kinks. We employ a step mode l to calculate the induced mass flux along misoriented surfaces, which acco unts for surface dynamics and stability. Slope selection, surface metastabi lity, and frequency-dependent surface stability are found. Quantitative pre dictions for pattern formation on metal surfaces in an electrolyte are prov ided.