Abstract
A natural, submicron-size periodic structure was fabricated by directional solidification of Pb-Sn eutectic thin films. Eutectic alloy films between 1 and 8 μm thick were deposited on glass and directionally solidified at rates between 0.5 and 12.6 mm/min that yielded fault-free lamellar structures. A mechanism that involves the propagation of bent plates was observed to adjust the spacing without forming faults. Below a critical thickness comparable to the periodic spacing, the structure was observed to become irregular. The spacing control and stability of the lamellar eutectic thin films are discussed.

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