Continuum model for low temperature relaxation of crystal steps - art. no.106104

High and low temperature relaxation of crystal steps are described in a uni fied picture, using a continuum model based on a modified expression of the step-free energy. Results are in agreement with experiments and Monte Carl o simulations of step fluctuations and monolayer cluster diffusion and rela xation. In an extended model where mass exchange with neighboring terraces is allowed, step transparency and a low temperature regime for unstable ste p meandering are found.