Step dynamics on vicinal surfaces using discrete interface models

Fluctuations of a single step on a vicinal surface are investigated using a discrete model designed to go further in capturing atomistic effects than usually achieved with continuum models. Variants of the model to incorporate the following three types of adatom dynamics are studied: attachment-detachment; periphery (step-edge) diffusion; and terrace diffusion. The dynamic exponent z is determined for each type as well as crossover functions joining three distinct scaling regimes.