Lateral translation of an Xe atom on metal surfaces

This work presents the theoretical study of the controlled lateral translation of an Xe atom physisorbed on the Ni(110) surface. The motion of the Xe is manipulated by the tip of the scanning tunnelling microscope. The interaction of the physisorbed atom with the tip and sample surface is described by empirical potentials. Using molecular statics and dynamics, the energetics and different modes of the translation are revealed. Important effects of electrode relaxation, tip geometry and material parameters are briefly discussed.