A study of the pair distribution function of self-organized Ge quantum dots

We explore the use of the pair distribution function to study the self-organization process of Ge quantum dots on both nanopatterned and nonpatterned oxidized Si(001) surfaces. Dots formation and ordering upon annealing of a Ge thin film are analyzed. The method we use is not limited to this case study. We show how it can be applied to determine short and long range self-ordering of nanostructures. We support our results by applying a software routine to simulate patterns of dots to finally spot the relevant physical aspects of Ge islands self-assembly.