Ge/Si(100) islands: Growth dynamics versus growth rate

The effect of the deposition rate on the size, density, and uniformity of Ge islands grown on Si(100) is investigated. Upon changing the growth rate from 4 to 110 ML/min the island density increases by one order of magnitude and the strained dome base decreases from 84 to 55 nm. A narrowing of the island size distribution was also observed. We discuss these experimental findings by taking into account island–island interaction effects.