Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

In Situ Monitoring of Diffusion of Guest Molecules in Porous Media Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: September 2, 2016
Adatom kinetics on and below the surface: the existence of a new diffusion channel
Jörg Neugebauer1, Tosja K Zywietz, Matthias Scheffler
1Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Employing density-functional theory in combination with scanning tunneling microscopy, we demonstrate that a thin metallic film on a semiconductor surface may open an efficient and hitherto not expected diffusion channel for lateral adatom transport: adatoms may prefer diffusion within this metallic layer rather than on top of the surface. Based on this concept, we interpret recent experiments: We explain why and when In acts as a surfactant on GaN surfaces, why Ga acts as an autosurfactant, and how this mechanism can be used to optimize group-III nitride growth.
More Related Videos
11:33All-electronic Nanosecond-resolved Scanning Tunneling Microscopy: Facilitating the Investigation of Single Dopant Charge Dynamics
Published on: January 19, 2018
07:24Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis
Published on: May 10, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Diffusion
Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
Protein Diffusion in the Membrane
Diffusion
Passive Diffusion: Overview and Kinetics
When administered orally, drugs establish a substantial concentration gradient between the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen and the bloodstream, expediting their diffusion into...
Facilitated Diffusion
In this process, substrates such as organic compounds and ions interact with a transporter on one side, triggering conformational changes in proteins that enable...