Multilayer growth and wetting behavior of nitrogen physisorbed on graphite

The multilayer growth of ${\mathrm{N}}_2$ on graphite has been studied by ellipsometry and stray-light measurements. Above the α-β transition temperature of bulk ${\mathrm{N}}_2$, there is incomplete wetting with a sequence of layering transitions which could be followed from the fifth to the tenth layer. At lower temperatures, the adsorption isotherms show only two stable monolayer steps; however, optically smooth layers of α solid can be grown on top of the double layer.