arXiv · cond-mat/0301357
Nonlinear dynamics of dimers on periodic substrates
Abstract
We study the dynamics of a dimer moving on a periodic one-dimensional substrate as a function of the initial kinetic energy at zero temperature. The aim is to describe, in a simplified picture, the microscopic dynamics of diatomic molecules on periodic surfaces, which is of importance for thin film formation and crystal growth. We find a complex behaviour, characterized by a variety of dynamical regimes, namely oscillatory, ``quasi-diffusive'' (chaotic) and drift motion. Parametrically resonant excitations of internal vibrations can be induced both by oscillatory and drift motion of the centre of mass. For weakly bound dimers a chaotic regime is found for a whole range of velocities between two non-chaotic phases at low and high kinetic energy. The chaotic features have been monitored by studying the Lyapunov exponents and the power spectra. Moreover, for a short-range interaction, the dimer can dissociate due to the parametric excitation of the internal motion.
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C. Fusco, A. Fasolino, T. Janssen. 2003-01-20. Nonlinear dynamics of dimers on periodic substrates. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb%2Fe2003-00013-y
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