Triple-point wetting of neon films

High-resolution quartz microbalance measurements of Ne films on Ag show a continuous transition from incomplete to complete wetting. The wetting temperature is identical to the triple point $T_t$ to within a few millikelvins. The frequency shift Δ$f_0$ corresponding to the maximum thickness at T$T_t$ follows a power law Δ$f_0$∼$t^{\mathrm{-}1/n\mathcal{’}}$, with n’=2.39, at reduced temperatures 0.001<t<0.03. Frequency-pressure isotherms above $T_t$ indicate higher-order terms in the thermodynamic potential. These terms can be quantitatively explained by a model of substrate-field-induced solidification. Similar isotherm shapes below $T_t$ suggest that stratification occurs on both sides of the triple point.