Theoretical expressions for the height-height correlation function of self-affine fractal surfaces are discussed in comparison with scanning tunneling microscopy, correlation and surface-width data obtained from rough silver and gold films. Fourier transformations are used to compare with equilibrium phenomena, and lead to a correlation model with an associated roughness spectrum of analytic form.

• Received 24 May 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.48.14472