Shape anisotropy and instability of holes formed during dewetting of single-crystal palladium and nickel films

Abstract

This study investigates the shape anisotropy and instability of holes formed during dewetting of single-crystal palladium and nickel films. The length ratios of edges constrained to expose {111} facets to other edges of the holes are found to be greater in palladium than in nickel films. The pinch-off is found to occur earlier in palladium than in nickel films. These morphological differences are explained in terms of oxygen adsorption and its effect on the surface energy anisotropy of the film materials.