Structure of epitaxial crystal interfaces

Theoretical work on the structural influences of misfit, bonding and crystal dimension in epitaxial bicrystals is reviewed. The main contents relate to the model in which the inter-action between the crystal halves is represented by a periodic force acting at the interface, the crystals are approximated by elastic continua and the structure is assumed to be governed by lowest energy principles. In this model the misfit is accommodated by sequences of misfit dislocations located at the interface and/or overall lattice strains. The degree to which one or the other mechanism dominates depends on the size and shape of the crystal in addition to the elastic and bonding properties. Realistic approximations for various special cases, e.g. monolayers, thick crystals and intermediate thicknesses, are considered. An exact solution covering the entire spectrum of interest does not exist.