Time evolution of the Ga droplet size distribution during Langmuir evaporation of GaAs(001)

The time evolution of the Ga droplet size distribution is measured by in situ surface electron microscopy during Langmuir evaporation of GaAs. With a minimum of complexity, we are able to reproduce and explain the major features of the droplet size distribution by a simple Monte Carlo model. Guided by the experiment, the model includes droplet formation in response to coalescence events. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.