Influence of misfit dislocations on the surface morphology of Si1−xGex films

Abstract
The influence of misfit dislocations on the surface morphology of partially strain relaxed Si1−xGex films is studied by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Surface steps arising from the formation of single and multiple 60° dislocations are identified. The role of such steps in the development of a cross‐hatch pattern in surface morphology is discussed.