Burrowing of Co clusters on the Cu(001) surface: Atomic-scale calculations- art. no. 235406

Scenario of burrowing of the Co adatoms and clusters on the Cu(001) is cons idered. Performing atomic scale calculations we find that the Co/Cu interfa ce is stabilized when the Co clusters reside in the surface layer. We demon strate that coating the Co islands with the Cu substrate material leads to large capillary forces, which promote burrowing. A vacancy mechanism of bur rowing is discussed. The effect of magnetism on the atomic relaxations at t he Co/Cu interface is revealed.