Diffusion of atoms interacting by long-range and oscillating forces

Abstract

Collective diffusion coefficient in a one dimensional lattice gas adsorbate is calculated using variational approach. Particles interact via either a long-range, or a long range electron-gas-mediated (for a metallic substrate), or a Lennard-Jones interaction. Diffusion coefficient as a function of the adsorbate density strongly depends on the relationship between the substrate lattice constant and the characteristic length of the inter--particle interaction potential (which determines positions of the potential energy minima). The diffusion coefficient at fixed density as a function of the interaction characteristic length has an oscillating character due to the interplay between the inter--particle distances allowed by the substrate lattice structure and the average inter--particle distances which minimize the total interaction energy.