Physics Colloquium, November 25, 2003

Fluctuations of Nanoscale Structures

Ellen D. Williams

Department of Physics
And
Institute for Physical Science and Technology
University of Maryland

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, direct observation of persistence in wandering of a nanoscale structure, and the large-scale effects of the incredibly small force of conduction electrons colliding with diffusing atoms.

Supported by the NSF-Materials Research Science and Engineering Center under contract DMR-00-80008.

3.30 p.m., Smith Laboratory, Room 1005

Refreshments served in Smith 1094 at 3:00 p.m.