Abstract
The morphological evolution in ultrathin films has been revealed by atomic force microscopy. It was found that ordered linear defects, which are in 1–2 unit cells high and oriented along the cubic [110] and [100] directions, first appear on the smooth surface of films with a thickness of . As the epitaxial growth proceeds, these lines on surface develop into a crosshatch pattern for films with a thickness of . Using the results of transmission electron microscopy and electrical measurements, we discuss the interplay between the surface pattern formation, the internal dislocation structure, and the variations in the electrical properties.
- Received 28 May 2007
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.77.115330
©2008 American Physical Society