The application of the Huygens principle to surface evolution in inhomogeneous, anisotropic and time-dependent systems

Abstract

A general approach to continuum wavefront motion in anisotropic, inhomogeneous and time-dependent systems based on the Huygens' principle of wave propagation is presented. The fundamental nature of the elementary Huygens' wavelet is discussed and its derivation also presented. Specific examples of surface evolution during anisotropic chemical etching, ion bombardment-induced erosion and curvature-dependent wavefront propagation are considered as illustrations of the general approach.