Solid-like growth

Abstract

In this paper we consider particulate growth and coalescence beyond the liquid-like model when surface energy anisotropy effects are important. First the idea of multiple minima for composite particles via a modified Wulff construction is described. Experimental results for room temperature gold thin films are then presented, showing clear evidence for two-dimensional polyparticle network growth. These results are then combined with models of liquid-like and amorphous growth by a structure map for thin film structure. It is proposed that the structural aspects of particulate thin film growth can be described via such structure maps.