Non-equilibrium island size distribution in one dimension

Abstract

In this paper, a novel analytical expression for the size distribution of one-dimensional structures at thermodynamic non-equilibrium is derived. The expression is obtained using one-dimensional lattice gas model. Ostwald ripening and decay of short one-dimensional islands is taken into account. The theoretical results are compared with kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and the experimental size distribution of one-dimensional wires. A correct method of extracting the binding energy from the experimental size distribution in one dimension is proposed.