Crystalline thin films of silica: modelling, structure and energetics. (31st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Mark; Jenkins, Harry
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 30:Number 47(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-10-31
• Subjects: thin films -- amorphous structure -- bilayers -- network glasses; Condensed matter -- Periodicals; Matière condensée -- Périodiques; Vaste stoffen; Vloeistoffen; Natuurkunde; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; 530.4105
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/aae503
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-8984

Abstract

Abstract: The static structural and energetic properties of thin crystalline films (̃two dimensional bilayers) of silica, SiO2, are modelled. Two potential models are considered in which the key interactions are described by purely harmonic terms and more complex electrostatic terms, respectively. The relative energetic stability of two potential crystalline forms, which represent alternative ways of tiling two dimensional space, is discussed. Coherent and incoherent distortions are introduced to the simulated crystals and their effects considered in terms of the ring structure formed by the Si atoms. The spatial relationship between distorted rings is analysed. An experimentally-observed single crystalline configuration is considered for comparison throughout.