Lattice dynamics and heat capacity of a two-dimensional monoatomic crystal on a substrate

A model is proposed which gives an analytical description of the dynamics of collective excitations of two-dimensional close-packed atomic crystal lattices (atomic monolayers on substrates). The model takes into account both the interaction between atoms of the layer and the interaction of the layer with the substrate. The phonon spectra are found for an ideal triangular lattice and for a triangular lattice with a uniform distortion along one of the close-packed directions in the plane of the layer. The temperature dependence of the heat capacity is constructed for crystalline structures of both the commensurate and incommensurate types (in relation to the substrate). The theoretical results obtained are used for a detailed discussion and interpretation of the published experimental data on the spectra of lattice excitations and the heat capacity of monolayers of rare gases, including He-3 and He-4, on various types of substrates. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.