Growth of faceted pores in a multi-component crystal by applying mechanical stress

Abstract

The growth of faceted pores in a multi-component crystal under the influence of applied mechanical stress is investigated in the framework of the Burton–Cabrera–Frank and Chernov models. In this process, self-consistent diffusion of excess vacancies of different crystal components to the pores occurs and they are being incorporated into the “void” steps and kinks on the pore facets, which causes the pores to grow. Expressions are found to relate the applied mechanical stress, properties of individual components of the crystal and the normal pore growth rate to both by layer-by-layer and spiral mechanisms. The main differences and similarities with single-component systems and real crystal growth are discussed. The proposed approach and theory can be used to engineer crystals with desired pore-size distribution and to predict the final pore size after processing.