A fractal model for the first stages of thin film growth

Abstract

In this paper we briefly review a model that describes the diffusion-controlled aggregation exhibited by particles as they are deposited on a surface. This model allows to understand many experiments of thin film deposition. In the first part, we describe the model, which incorporates deposition, particle and cluster diffusion, and aggregation. In a second part, we study the dynamical evolution of the model. Finally, we analyze the effects of small cluster mobility, and we show that the introduction of cluster diffusion dramatically affects the dynamics of film growth. Some of these effects can be tested experimentally.