Abstract
We have observed uniaxial strain events in small rafts of xenon atoms physisorbed on Pt(111) using molecular-dynamics techniques. These events take the form of correlated movements of atoms in the raft in one of three symmetry directions. In some cases, the strain involves about ⅔ of the raft and then completely leaves the raft in about 100 psec. In other cases, the strain works its way through the raft and eventually the raft is displaced to a new location on the platinum.