Kink density and propagation velocity of the [010] step on the Kossel (100) surface

The kink density of the [0 1 0] step on the Kossel (10 0) surface is studied. In the literature, a lot of work is devoted to the derivation of an analytical expression for this quantity as a function of bond strength and driving force for crystallization. Most of these derivations only include kinks of single height. This paper presents an expression for the kink density of the [0 10] step on the Kossel (10 0) surface in which kinks of all possible heights are taken into account and which is in agreement with work done by Temkin [Sov. Phys.-Cryst. 14 (1969) 179]. This and other expressions for the kink density from the literature are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The present expression describes the results best. Finally, the dependence of the propagation velocity of the [0 10] step on the kink density, which is usually assumed to be linear, is reconsidered. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.