The dependence of adatom diffusion on the strained (111) surface was investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that the diffusion coefficient of Cu adatoms on the surface decreased with increasing tensile strain at various temperatures. On the strained surface, the diffusion coefficient still exhibited an approximately Arrhenius behavior. The main diffusion process was hopping. Exchange diffusion appeared when the temperature or tensile strain was further increased. Its frequency also increased.

Effect of Tensile Strain on Adatom Diffusion on Cu(111) Surface. Y.X.Wang, Z.Y.Pan, Z.J.Li, Q.Wei, L.K.Zang, Z.X.Zhang: Surface Science, 2003, 545[1-2], 137-42