MD simulation of cluster-surface impacts for metallic phases: soft landing, droplet spreading and implantation

An optimized version of the DL-POLY molecular dynamics simulation code [K. Kholmurodov, W. Smith, K. Yasuoka, T. Ebisuzaki, Comput. Phys. Commun. 125 (2000) 167-192] has been used to study the cluster-surface impact processes for metallic phases. The interaction of an energetic cluster of atoms with a solid surface has been investigated using the Finnis-Sinclair many-body potential. The characteristics of the cluster-surface collisions were studi ed in a wide range of the cluster impact energies (E-inc = 0.035-3.5 eV/ato m). Modification of the surface, exposed to the cluster-beams, was studied by monitoring the molecular dynamics configurations of the system in real t ime. The density and temperature distributions in the system under the ener getic irradiations has been investigated in detail. The three major channel s of the impact yield (viz., soft landing, droplet spreading and implantati on) were distinguished and estimated. Based on the density and temperature distributions data the low energy cluster-surface impact has been analyzed and a novel interpretation of droplet spreading process is given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.