The objective of this research program is to study small particles and surfaces using a combination of high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and theoretical modeling. The proposed research effort focuses on two areas: (i) small particle research and (ii) gas-surface effects. The small particle research quantifies structural fluctuations and characterizes the phenomena of encapsulation and sinking of particles on a substrate. Gas surface effects focus on changes in the structure of thin films and small particles when exposed to low pressure gas.
