Modelling the nano-scale phenomena in condensed matter physics via computer-based numerical simulations

A review of the atomistic modelling of the behaviour of nano-scale structures and processes via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method of a canonical ensemble is presented. Three areas of application in condensed matter physics are considered. We focus on the adhesive and indentation properties of the solid surfaces in nano-contacts, the nucleation and growth of nano-phase metallic and semi-conducting atomic and molecular films on supporting substrates, and the nano- and multi-scale crack propagation properties of metallic lattices. A set of simulations selected from these fields are discussed, together with a brief introduction to the methodology of the MD simulation. The pertinent inter-atomic potentials that model the energetics of the metallic and semi-conducting systems are also given.

Surface physics at the nano-scale via scanning probe microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations

Probe-based scanning microscopes, such as the STM and the AFM, are used to obtain the topographical and electronic structure maps of material surfaces, and to modify their morphologies on nanoscopic scales. They have generated new areas of research in condensed matter physics and materials science. We will review some examples from the fields of experimental nano-mechanics, nano-electronics and nano-magnetism. These now form the basis of the emerging field of Nano-technology. A parallel development has been brought about in the field of Computational Nano-science, using quantum-mechanical techniques and computer-based numerical modelling, such as the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation method. We will report on the simulation of nucleation and growth of nano-phase films on supporting substrates. Furthermore, a theoretical modelling of the formation of STM images of metallic clusters on metallic substrates will also be discussed within the non-equilibrium Keldysh Green function method to study the effects of coherent tunnelling through different atomic orbitals in a tip-sample geometry.