Zigzag kinks in the Frenkel-Kontorova model with a transversal degree of freedom

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Abstract
We consider a generalized (two-dimensional anisotropic) Frenkel-Kontorova model that takes into account a transversal degree of freedom. The model describes a chain of atoms moving in a two-dimensional substrate potential that is periodic along the chain and parabolic in the transversal direction. When the atoms interact by repulsive forces (this is valid, e.g., for adsorbed atoms), the ground state of the commensurate chain becomes zigzag above a certain threshold value. We study the zigzag kinks in such a chain and demonstrate that the transversal degree of freedom breaks the symmetry between the kink and antikink. The applicability of the model to describe surface diffusion in two-dimensional anisotropic layers adsorbed on crystal surfaces is briefly discussed.

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