On the orientational effects in monolayers of diatomic molecules

The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to study orientational ordering i n monolayer films of diatomic molecules on the (100) plane of face centered cubic crystal. Systems of admolecules with different elongation are studie d and their orientational and positional ordering discussed. It is shown th at in the case of small elongations the adsorbed monolayer orders into a si mple (1 x 1) structure. When the elongation of adsorbed molecules increases , the film orders into more complex structures. In such cases, the adsorbat e lattice decomposes into four interpenetrating sublattices. (C) 2001 Ameri can Institute of Physics.