COMMENSURABILITY EFFECTS ON DIFFUSION PROCESS IN STEPPED STRUCTURES

Abstract

This study deals with the investigation of diffusion process of one-dimensional system with steps for adsorbates interacting via the nearest-neighbor harmonic forces. The results are obtained from numerical studies, utilizing the method of stochastic Langevin dynamics. To study commensurability effects and the role of steps in the behavior of the diffusing particles, we have computed the diffusion coefficient for large concentrations and several interaction strengths. Our numerical results show that the diffusive behavior is reduced for commensurate structure case when the ground state has only one particle per one period of the substrate potential and enhanced for incommensurate density. Furthermore, the dynamic is qualitatively similar to that obtained in the case of no steps but with a clear reduction of the diffusion rate. Implications of these findings are discussed.