Level set simulation of directed self-assembly during epitaxial growth

We study the effect of a spatially varying potential energy surface on the self-organization of nanoscale patterns during epitaxial growth. The computational approach is based on the level set method. Our results have an implication for guided self-assembly of nano patterns, which is a promising new technique for many technological applications. Both kinetic as well as thermodynamic effects can lead to ordering, and we discuss the competition between these two effects.