A Monte Carlo analysis of diffusion measurements in surface science systems that undergo phase transitions

Abstract

We use Monte Carlo simulations to examine the diffusional behavior of adsorbed systems in a temperature range in which the adsorbed layer undergoes a phase transition. Our aim is to provide some theoretical background for the interpretation of recent laser induced desorptiondiffusionmeasurements. We find that in systems with attractive interactions the phase transition practically stops diffusion, while in those with repulsive interaction the effect is gradual.