Computer modeling of atomic scale crystal growth processes

Abstract

The wide availability of extremely powerful computers has ushered in a new era in which simulation is the preferred method for the modeling of physical processes. The development of our understanding of the atomic scale processes involved in crystal growth, where computer simulations have played a central role, is an example of the power of these methods. It has now become apparent that computer simulations have not only been useful, but were essential for this development. Crystallization processes will be discussed in the context of the role of computer modeling in the development of our current understanding, and to illustrate how it is continuing to play a central role.