Atomistic Approximation of Solid Surface Energy and Its Anisotropy

Abstract

The anisotropic surface energy of solid surfaces is mainly calculated using electron-based analyses. Experimental measurements are both difficult and subject to numerous errors. In this communication, by quantifying the surface area increment accompanying a vacancy formation process on solid surfaces, the anisotropic solid surface energy is approximated. Further analyses on the dependence of solid surface energy on planar packing fraction show that, however, the electron-based data may seem unrealistic in some cases.