Pinning and roughening of one-dimensional models of interfaces and steps

Abstract

We show that an external pinning potential located along a single row will at all temperatures localize the interface in a one-dimensional solid-on-solid model unless the pinning row is located near a boundary. Then there arises a simple example of the roughening transition found by Abraham, with a localized interface possible only for sufficiently large potential strengths. We suggest this transition may be observed experimentally on a stepped semiconductor surface.