Epitaxy at {111}fcc/{110}bcc metal interfaces

Abstract

This paper reviews a theory that justifies “lattice match” assumptions in epitaxy and the application of the theory to epitaxy at {111}fcc/{110}bcc metal interfaces. The basic assumptions of the model are (i) that the adatom-substrate interaction has the periodicity and symmetry of the substrate surface, (ii) that the overlayer is crystalline, (iii) that the adatom-adatom interaction is harmonic and (iv) that the ideal epitaxial configurations are the same as for rigid half crystals. The theory correlates epitaxy with lattice match and predicts the occurrence of the Nishiyama-Wassermann and Kurdjumov-Sachs orientations in thick overlayers with astonishing accuracy. In thin overlayers there is good qualitative agreement with empirical data. The theory stresses the need for quantifying the Fourier coefficients.