Delocalization Transition of a Rough Adsorption-Reaction Interface

TL;DR

This paper introduces a kinetic interface model for adsorption-reaction processes at surface defects, revealing a delocalization transition with novel critical behavior and fractal interface structures.

Contribution

The study presents a new model capturing the delocalization transition of rough interfaces with KPZ-like scaling, identifying a new universality class and fractal interface properties.

Findings

Identified a delocalization transition with unique critical exponents.

Demonstrated the interface becomes a self-similar fractal at criticality.

Used Monte Carlo simulations to determine scaling behavior.

Abstract

We introduce a new kinetic interface model suitable for simulating adsorption-reaction processes which take place preferentially at surface defects such as steps and vacancies. As the average interface velocity is taken to zero, the self- affine interface with Kardar-Parisi-Zhang like scaling behaviour undergoes a delocalization transition with critical exponents that fall into a novel universality class. As the critical point is approached, the interface becomes a multi-valued, multiply connected self-similar fractal set. The scaling behaviour and critical exponents of the relevant correlation functions are determined from Monte Carlo simulations and scaling arguments.