Surface phenomena and parameters of crystal growth: Simple basics

Abstract

Basic concepts of crystal growth and their practical use to semi-quantitatively estimate growth processes are explained: surface energy and free energy, driving force of crystallization, atomically rough vs smooth interface structure and the corresponding normal vs layer-by-layer growth modes, application of the activated complex concept to derive kinetic coefficient characterizing crystal growth rate at a given driving force. The Reader is supposed to be familiar with general physics and chemistry. No specific knowledge in crystal growth is required. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.