9712538 Shapiro This is an award for Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI). The principal investigator will be utilizing high performance computers to conduct molecular dynamics simulations of cluster-surface and ion-surface interactions. Specific topics will include: the evolution of incident ion trajectories in solid targets following the impact of very energetic clusters; the consequences of intermediate to high energy cluster bombardment (damage, electronic excitation, sputtering); cluster emission from targets following ion and cluster bombardment, with emphasis on the relationship between the statistics of sputtering events and cluster emission; the utility of cluster beams to desorb material for mass spectograph studies; the charge state properties of energetic cluster components traversing thin targets; the use of both low and high energy cluster beams for micromachining. Research will be carried out in collaboration with the Basic and Applied Physics Group at Caltech and with the Le Beyec Group at Orsay. The goals of the research are to extend the fundamental understanding of cluster-surface interactions; to guide future experimental research; and, to involve promising undergraduate students in research. %%% This grant will support research at a predominantly undergraduate institution. The research involves computer simulations of clusters of atoms and charged ions striking surfaces of materials. These type of interactions are important for materials processing, materials wear and for understanding fundamental aspects of surfaces. The research will involve undergraduate students and involves collaborations with groups at Caltech and Orsay in France. ***
