A surface step model was proposed here, for micro-pipe formation in single crystals, according to which the strong repulsive interaction between surface steps on the (00•1) surface was a major driving force for coalescing unit cell-sized screw dislocations.

Surface Step Model for Micropipe Formation in SiC. N.Ohtani, M.Katsuno, T.Fujimoto, T.Aigo, H.Yashiro: Journal of Crystal Growth, 2001, 226[2-3], 254-60