Non-equilibrium roughening transitions

Abstract

Non-equilibrium roughening transitions are described and shown to take place as a function of deposition rate and temperature. Discussion is given on the physical mechanism behind this effect, relating its appearance to the relative magnitudes of the vertical and horizontal length scales of surface configurations. The roughening length is defined, and several models are considered, one of which gives a finite transition temperature. Reference to recent experimental results is made and a phase diagram is discussed.