Macrostep formation and step dynamics faceted by discontinuous surface tension

Abstract

Crystalline structures are a fundamental part of both the natural and man-made world and are broadly defined as anything with a highly ordered and regular structure at a microscopic level. Professor Noriko Akutsu from the Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Electro-Communication University, Japan, is an expert in understanding the dynamics of crystal formation, particularly at crystal surfaces. Akutsu is working to understand the fundamental nature of crystal growth and structure. This work is a multidisciplinary project that requires expertise in physics, materials science and engineering. Akutsu uses a variety of models as well as a variety of physical techniques to uncover the intricacies of crystal growth.