Molecular dynamics studies of the interactions of low energy particles and clusters with surfaces
"The interaction of energetic particles and clusters with metal surfaces has been investigated using molecular dynamics computer simulations. For the particle interactions, a previously unknown mechanism for producing damage at surfaces, involving viscous flow of molten matter, was uncovered in atomistic simulations of self bombardment of Au, Cu and Pt. The findings were extended to higher energy irradiations using a macroscopic model derived in this work and shown to have enormous significance for studies of radiation damage and ion beam modifications of materials. The simulations also provide new insight into the question of ""non-linear"" or thermal spike sputtering and also suggest a mechanism for cluster emission. Cluster-solid interactions were investigated by simulating the impact of various metallic clusters on metal surfaces. The energies of the clusters were varied from less than one eV (soft landings) to over 3 keV; the sizes of the clusters were varied from 87 to 1000 atom, and the angles of incidence was varied from near glancing to near normal. Both solid and liquid clusters were examined. A broad range of behavior was observed in the simulations: splatting of the cluster over the surface, the formation of globs, and the penetration of the clusters deep into the substrate. General rules for predicting the dominant behavior are suggested."
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign