Finite-size scaling study of two-dimensional surface growth models

Abstract

A simple finite-size scaling method for two-dimensional surface growth models with restricted step heights is proposed. A master equation is written for the time evolution of the surface configuration probabilities in which enter model-dependent interconfiguration rates. These equations are numerically solved for finite systems of increasing sizes and the exponents governing the time evolution of the surface thickness are extracted using finite-size scaling analysis. The method is used to study crossovers in realistic models for ballistic deposition.