Droplet model of an atomic cluster at a solid surface

A method for calculating the characteristics of the stability, energy, and geometry of an atomic cluster at a solid surface is proposed, which is based on a droplet model that takes into account the cluster-solid interaction. As an example, the interaction of a neutral argon cluster with a (001) surface of graphite is considered. The results of calculations performed within the framework of the droplet model show good agreement with the results of numerical simulation based on a dynamic search for the most stable isomers in the course of cluster growth. It is shown that the droplet model can be used for simple evaluation of the geometry, stability, and energy characteristics of clusters at solid surfaces.