Embedded-atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the effects of low-energy self-ion irradiation of Pt adatoms on Pt(111). Attention was concentrated on self-bombardment dynamics: isolating and monitoring the atomic processes introduced by normally incident Pt atoms with energies ranging from 5 to 50eV, that could affect intra- and inter-layer mass transport. It was found that adatom scattering, surface channelling and dimer formation occurred at all energies. Atomic intermixing events involving incident and terrace atoms were observed at energies greater than 15eV, while collateral formation of residual surface vacancies was observed only at energies above 40eV. The overall effect of low-energy self-ion irradiation was to enhance lateral adatom and terrace atom migration.

Low-Energy Ion Irradiation during Film Growth - Kinetic Pathways Leading to Enhanced Adatom Migration Rates. D.Adamovic, E.P.Münger, V.Chirita, L.Hultman, J.E.Greene: Applied Physics Letters, 2005, 86[21], 211915 (3pp)