An investigation was made of the 500eV deposition, and subsequent diffusion, of Ag400 clusters on a stepped graphite surface using a combination of scanning electron microscopy experiments and molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo computer simulations. It was found that the shape of the clusters was only partially deformed by impact with the surface, and that the clusters did not create surface defects upon landing. They were therefore able to diffuse freely over the surface. Many clusters were found to become trapped at surface steps, where their mobility was reduced by the higher binding energy. Exploring the 1-D diffusion of clusters along the steps revealed a low mobility for larger islands, as well as the importance of defects (such as kinks) on steps which trapped the mobile clusters.

Deposition and Diffusion of Size-Selected (Ag400+) Clusters on a Stepped Graphite Surface. S.J.Carroll, R.E.Palmer, P.A.Mulheran, S.Hobday, R.Smith: Applied Physics A, 1998, 67[6], 613-9