Stranski–Krastanov growth

Stranski–Krastanov growth (SK growth, also Stransky–Krastanov or 'Stranski–Krastanow') is one of the three primary modes by which thin films grow epitaxially at a crystal surface or interface. Also known as 'layer-plus-island growth', the SK mode follows a two step process: initially, complete films of adsorbates, up to several monolayers thick, grow in a layer-by-layer fashion on a crystal substrate.

Source: Wikipedia — Stranski–Krastanov growth (CC BY-SA 4.0)