Foundations of a Virtual Laboratory

Abstract

A project was funded by the European Union to build foundations for a virtual laboratory where experimental and theoretical results could be combined into an audio-visual interactive presentation through the use of modern computers. The process of thin film growth and modification by energetic ion beams was chosen as the first topic for this new educational tool. Different models for thin film growth are developed and compared to experimental results in the presentation. Particular examples include spiral formation, modelled using cellular automata, island growth using Monte-Carlo methods and the first few layers of growth using classical molecular dynamics. Most of the examples are related to the growth of C60 films for which a number of experimental results had been obtained and previously reported in this journal [1]. The principle property under investigation was the structure and morphology of the films. Nine separate computer movies of the dynamics of these processes were developed on a fast PC under Windows95 and incorporated into a computer presentation made using the Authorware package. Experimental images obtained from a scanning force microscope were also included and compared to the computer models along with music and verbal explanation. In addition to the interactive version of the multi-media presentation, a non-interactive version was also made which is suitable for lectures or conference presentation. This version lasts approximately 25 minutes. Approximately 100 CD's of this work were made and are being distributed to various laboratories. A copy of the CD is available on request.