We simulate the surface shapes during homoepitaxial overgrowth of patterned
GaAs substrates in the sector (0 0 1)(111)A. The model for the shape evolu
tion is based on a diffusion equation in which the orientation-dependent pa
rameters vary according to a simple model of the surface free energy of the
zineblende crystal structure. Metastable pseudofacets its well as the init
ial shape of the step are demonstrated to play a major role in the evolutio
n of the surface during overgrowth. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ
ts reserved.