Monte Carlo Simulation of the Nucleation of Thin Films

Abstract
Nucleation of thin films was simulated by a Monte Carlo computer technique, assuming nucleation commences with the formation of a critical nucleus consisting of one atom. The population densities of adatoms, paired atoms, and larger clusters, as functions of surface coverage, were determined for this model at several incident fluxes and with and without reevaporation of adatoms. The results are compared to current atomistic nucleation theory.