Molecular dynamics simulations and energy minimization calculations were applied to the diffusion of Al adatoms, on (110) and (100) surfaces, by using a realistic many-body potential. In the case of the Al/Al(110) system, adatom motion was found to involve both simple atomic hopping, for displacements along the surface channels, and an atomic-exchange mechanism for displacements across the channels. In the case of the (100) surface, diffusion occurred via an exchange mechanism. The transition state for this process was stabilized by strong covalent bonding.

P.A.Gravil, S.Holloway: Surface Science, 1994, 310[1-3], 267-72