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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Annealing effects on InP (110) surfaces were observed in situ using a modified ultrahighvacuum transmission electron microscope equipped with a specimen heating holder. Reflection electron microscopy (REM) was used to record the dynamics of nucleation and growth of liquid In clusters at 650°C, following the desorption of P from the surface. These droplets showed no preference for nucleation at surface steps, and the steps appeared stationary throughout the annealing process. Two distinct types of In cluster growth rates and shape evolutions were detected. A model was developed to decouple height and length information in the REM images. Contact angle and volume above the InP(110) surface were calculated from the dynamic data. The change of contact angle with time provides evidence for sub-surface cluster etching.