PNNL

Abstract

Both vapor-phase clusters and condensed-phase crystals are important in a wide variety of fundamental and applied problems in chemical physics. Favorable fluctuations in a supersaturated phase generate clusters of the new phase – exactly how one defines these new clusters as distinct from the mother phase represents a continuing challenge in molecular theories of nucleation. These incipient clusters can form homogeneously within the mother phase or heterogeneously on seeds, dust, impurities, ions, or others stability-inducing atomic/molecular structures (e.g., steps, edges, vacancies, etc.). Upon reaching a critical size the clusters may grow to macroscopic dimensions if enough nucleating material is present in surrounding environment or until relaxation processes dominate bringing the phase transformation to completion. This work was supported by the Chemical and Material Sciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Department of Energy. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.