Kink asymmetry and multiplicity in dislocation cores

We propose a hierarchical classification of kink species in dislocation cores which considers three sources or broken symmetry, host lattice structure, character of the dislocation, and core reconstruction effects. Kink multiplicity in bcc and diamond cubic lattices is examined and verified directly by atomistic calculations using appropriate interatomic potential models fur Mo and Si. Much of the complexity of dislocation kink mechanisms can be rationalized in terms of the identified underlying causes of symmetry breaking.