Computer simulations of surfaces, interfaces, and physisorbed films

We survey selected computer simulations or ‘‘experiments’’ relating to the statistical physics of surface phenomena. An introduction to the Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation techniques is presented, followed by chosen computer simulation applications which have been done mainly at the IBM Research Laboratory over the last several years. The examples are taken from studies of the structure and thermodynamics of microclusters, liquid–vapor and liquid–solid interfaces and quasi-two-dimensional physisorbed films. An up-to-date bibliography of the various topics is given at the conclusion.