Molecular dynamics simulation of Ni cluster deposition on Cu(0Â 0Â 1) surfaces

Deposition of Ni clusters on a Cu(0 0 1) surface has been simulated by molecular dynamics (MD). Growth effects for clusters of different thickness and structure have been researched, analysing especially the arrangement of the atoms at the interface. The bombardment energy was 1 eV/atom and results were compared with systems in which the energy per atom was 0 eV. Strain due to the lattice mismatch between Ni and Cu gives rise to magnetoelastic anisotropy. The behaviour of the atomic distances at the interface has been analysed and mean changes in the lattice parameters have been quantified. A study of the influence of atomic mixing on the atomic distances has been also accomplished.