Non-equilibrium Interface and Surface Dynamics

Wetting and dewetting on solid surfaces

Olivier Pierre-Louis

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

In this presentation, the dynamics of solid wetting and dewetting processes will be discussed. Dewetting is usually limited by surface diffusion. However, the usual Mullins approach for a continuum modeling of such dynamics breaks down in the presence of facets. A novel type of dynamics then emerges, with specific exponents. Dewetting fronts are found to be unstable along non-facetted orientations, and the instability exhibits coarsening within the linear regime. Good agreement is found between theory, Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations, and experiments in SOI systems. We shall finally discuss some of the the consequences of surface patterning on wetting statics and dynamics.