Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Kinetic limitations related to the Schwoebel-Ehrlich (SE) diffusion barrier are examined in two-(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) growth. It is shown that the realization of step instabilities in 2D growth, possibly caused by the SE barrier, may be hindered by other factors such as step permeability and the relative importance of diffusion and step attachment. Growth shapes of Ag crystallites are also determined that reveal the impact of kinetic limitations. Dramatic changes of growth shape caused by In codeposition suggest that surfactants can modify the 3D SE barrier.