Microstructure development and evolution

Abstract

We employ a level set-based geometry tracking software using a "grain continuum" representation, together with models for selected IC manufacturing processes and for microstructural evolution to study the development of grain structures. We consider electroless deposition, physical vapor deposition and grain boundary migration during curvature-driven ripening. We use an "encapsulation technique" to convert atomistic data; e.g., from Monte Carlo simulations of nucleation, to continua for input to deposition studies.