IDENTIFICATION OF NUCLEATION AND GROWTH MODE

In thermodynamic theory of heterogeneous nucleation of solid from vapor,P a nucleus on a substrate is considered to be cap-shaped with a contact angle to the substrate. Young s equation dictates the relationship among the surface and interfacial energies as  

Island growth occurs from the beginning of deposition, 

0=0 Stranski-Krastanov layer plus island growth. J In this case, ct + and the strain energy in the overgrowth is large compared to One or more complete monolayers are initially formed during grov th. 

The Volmer-Weber 3-D island nucleation and growth mode has been observed in a number of experiments of diamond 

However, such calculations could not provide detailed information about diamond nucleation processes or mechanisms. 

---