Molecular dynamics simulation of growth of Cu nanoclusters from Cu-ions in a plasma

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Tal, Alexey A, Müger, E Peter, Abrikosov, Igor A, Brenning, Nils, Pilch, Iris, Helmersson, Ulf
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 17.07.2014
• Subjects: Angular distribution; Charged particles; Computer simulation; Energy transfer; Molecular dynamics; Nanoclusters; Physics - Materials Science; Physics - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics; Physics - Plasma Physics; Rare gases
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1407.4375

A recently developed method of nanoclusters growth in a pulsed plasma is studied by means of molecular dynamics. A model that allows one to consider high-energy charged particles in classical molecular dynamics is suggested, and applied for studies of single impact events in nanoclusters growth. In particular, we provide a comparative analysis of the well-studied inert gas aggregation method and the growth from ions in a plasma. The importance to consider of the angular distribution of incoming ions in the simulations of the nanocluster growth is underlined. A detailed study of the energy transfer from the incoming ions to a nanocluster, as well as the diffusion of incoming ions on the cluster surface is carried out. Our results are important for understanding and control of the nanocluster growth process.