Step dynamics in 3D crystal shape relaxation - art. no. 186102

Three-dimensional relaxation of small crystallites was imaged in real time using variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The micron-sized Pb crystallites, supported on Ru(0001), were equilibrated at 500-550 K, and the volume-preserving shape relaxation was induced by a rapid temperature decrease to 353-423 K The (111) facet at the top of the crystallite grows b y sequential peeling of single atomic layers, which shrink like circular is lands. The rate of layer peeling slows dramatically as a new final state is reached.