An atomic view of crystal growth

The ability to routinely observe individual metal atoms adsorbed on metal surfaces using field ion microscopy has made it possible to directly examine atomic events important in the growth of crystals from the vapor. On the atomically smooth (111) plane of iridium, there are now available observations of the binding sites for atoms and of condensation from the vapor, together with measurements of the diffusion of atoms over the surface, as well as studies of their subsequent incorporation at both ascending and descending steps. These results are briefly reviewed, revealing a picture generally more varied and interesting than envisioned in classical theories of crystal growth.