Defect-free Etching

of a Diamond-Cubic {111} Surface


kBT=0.032J, L=63, µ=-0.8J
Frames separated by 100 MCS.

Fast animation (~566 kB)

Slow animation (~566 kB)

Etching of a defect-free surface produces triangular shaped island-pits revealing the strong influence of the crystal structure. Islands expand and coalesce forming jagged steps that are less stable and rapid step retreat ensues.

Previous animation - unstable steps

Next animation - dislocation-nucleated etching.

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