Rapid diffusion of magic-size islands by combined glide and vacancy mechanisms

Journal Article · Wed Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2008 · Physical Review Letters

OSTI ID:962342

Perez, D ^[1]; Voter, A F ^[1]; Uche, O U ^[2]; Hamilton, J C ^[2]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory
2. SNL

Using molecular dynamics, nudged elastic band, and embedded atom methods, we show that certain 2D Ag islands undergo extremely rapid one-dimensional diffusion on Cu(001) surfaces. Indeed, below 300K, hopping rates for 'magic-size' islands are orders of magnitude faster than hopping rates for single Ag adatoms. This rapid diffusion requires both the c(10 x 2) hexagonally-packed superstructure typical of Ag on Cu(001) and appropriate 'magic-sizes' for the islands. The novel highly-cooperative diffusion mechanism presented here couples vacancy diffusion with simultaneous core glide.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC52-06NA25396
• OSTI ID: 962342
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-09-01483; LA-UR-09-1483
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOMS
COPPER
DIFFUSION
MASS TRANSFER
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS METHOD
SILVER
SUBSTRATES
VACANCIES