Research Activities > Programs >
Nonequilibrium Interface Dynamics > Workshop 1
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CSIC Building (#406),
Seminar Room 4122.
Directions: home.cscamm.umd.edu/directions
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Fluctuations and Nanoscale Structures
Dr. Ellen Williams
Department of Physics, and Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland
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Abstract:
The special properties of small structures provide much of the exciting potential of nanotechnology.
One aspect of small structures – their susceptibility to thermal fluctuations – may create or necessitate
new ways of exploiting nanostructures. In this talk, the direct observation of structural fluctuations and
the related evolution of nanostructure using scanned probe microscopy will be presented. Using the techniques
of statistical mechanics, the observations can be evaluated to develop a predictive understanding of how
structures evolve in response to external perturbations. Examples to be presented include the observation of
coupling of nano-scale fluctuations to the real-time relaxation of lead crystallites, the direct observation of
persistence in wandering of nanoscale structures, and the large-scale effects of the incredibly small force of
conduction electrons colliding with diffusing atoms.
[PRESENTATION SLIDES - PDF 2MB]
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