A single step growth model with leapfrog diffusion mechanism

We study the multilayer growth of a single step model defined on a hexagonal lattice in d=1+1 dimensions. The growth model comprises deposition events, inlayer and interlayer diffusions, in particular, the newly discovered leapfrog mechanism. The model is applied to the (1×2) reconstructed (1 1 0) gold surface by using realistic energy barriers for the different diffusion processes. We solve the model by an exact finite-size calculation. Our results predict cross-channel ripples formation already at T=130 K on the gold surface. The temperature dependence of the ripple slope in the stationary state is also predicted by means of exact growth rate calculations up to 180 K.