Realistic simulations of Au(100): Grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics

The large surface density changes associated with the (100) noble metals surface hex-reconstruction suggest the use of nonparticle-conserving simulation methods. We present an example of a surface Grand Canonical Monte Carlo applied to the transformation of a square nonreconstructed surface to the hexagonally covered low temperature stable Au(100). On the other hand, classical Molecular Dynamics allows one to investigate microscopic details of the reconstruction dynamics, and we show, as an example, retraction of a step and its interplay with the surface reconstruction/deconstruction mechanism.