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Bending strain-driven modification of surface reconstructions: Au(111)

U. Tartaglino·E. Tosatti·D. Passerone·F. Ercolessi
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Abstract

Strain can affect the morphology of a crystal surface, and cause modifications of its reconstruction even when weak, as in the case of mechanical bending. We carried out calculations of strain-dependent surface free energy and direct bending simulations demonstrating the change of incommensurate reconstruction in Au(111) under strain, in good agreement with recent data. Time-dependent strain should cause a sliding of the topmost layer over the second, suggesting an interesting case of nanofriction. Bending strain could also be used to fine tune the spacing of selectively absorbed nanoclusters.

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U. Tartaglino, E. Tosatti, D. Passerone, F. Ercolessi. 2002-07-17. Bending strain-driven modification of surface reconstructions: Au(111). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.65.241406

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