Dynamics of Physically Adsorbed Layers

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

This grant supports theoretical research on the dynamics of physically adsorbed layers of atoms and molecules on solid surfaces. The goal is to achieve a quantitative understanding of the interaction of atoms and molecules with surfaces in examples where the adsorbate and substrate are weakly modified by the interactions. The work is a combination of analytically-based theory and computations which can be performed using work stations. The topics include the analysis of the normal modes (phonons) of solid layers and of processes which contribute to the dissipation of energy initially in the layer, such as vibrational damping and sliding friction. %%%