Hierarchical condensation near phase equilibrium

A novel mechanism of new phase formation is studied both experimentally and theoretically in the example of quasi-equilibrium stationary condensation in an ion–plasma sputterer. Copper condensates are obtained to demonstrate that a specific network structure is formed as a result of self-assembly in the course of deposition. The fractal pattern related is inherent in the phenomena of diffusion limited aggregation. Condensate nuclei are shown to form statistical ensemble of hierarchically subordinated objects distributed in ultrametric space. The Langevin equation and the Fokker–Planck equation related are found to describe stationary distribution of thermodynamic potential variations at condensation. Time dependence of the formation probability of branching structures is found to clarify the experimental situation. ► We consider the mechanism of new phase formation in an ion–plasma sputterer. ► A specific network structure is formed as a result of self-assembly in the course of deposition. ► The Langevin equation and the Fokker–Planck equation related are found. ► Time dependence of the formation probability of branching structures is found to clarify the experimental situation.