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Molecular dynamics simulations in the isobaric–isenthalpic ensemble are used to derive various important parameters related to nucleation from the melt. In particular, by using results from liquid–solid phase equilibria, we present a simple, yet reliable, approach to extract melting temperature, critical nucleus size, and liquid–solid interfacial free energy for six different embedded atom FCC systems. Our approach is based on the fundamental thermodynamic relation given by the Gibbs–Thomson equation that uses the heat released during solidification to drive growth of the solid phase until thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved. Equilibrium between the liquid and solid phases is identified by a steady-state evolution in the temperature of the two-phase system. • MD simulations of melting temperature, critical size, and interfacial free energy. • Gibbs–Thomson equation sets equilibrium of solid surrounded by its own liquid. • Robust & general methodology for calculation of thermodynamic liquid–solid properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The growth of uniform thin films on foreign substrates is impeded by several morphological instabilities. Hill-and-valley structures are formed and enhanced during sputter deposition where surface height perturbations have an opportunity to grow to large amplitudes. We show via kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations that while surface roughness can be partially controlled by changing growth conditions, such as substrate temperature, the diffusion of particles over step edges plays a very important role in determining both surface roughness and the density of the films. Our kMC simulations provide a way to evaluate the strength of surface instabilities during sputter deposition of thin films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]