  We present here a summary of some recent techniques used for atomistic
studies of thin film growth and morphological evolution. Specific attention is
given to a new kinetic Monte Carlo technique in which the usage of unique
labeling schemes of the environment of the diffusing entity allows the
development of a closed data base of 49 single atom diffusion processes for
periphery motion. The activation energy barriers and diffusion paths are
calculated using reliable manybody interatomic potentials. The application of
the technique to the diffusion of 2-dimensional Cu clusters on Cu(111) shows
interesting trends in the diffusion rate and in the frequencies of the
microscopic mechanisms which are responsible for the motion of the clusters, as
a function of cluster size and temperature. The results are compared with those
obtained from yet another novel kinetic Monte Carlo technique in which an open
data base of the energetics and diffusion paths of microscopic processes is
continuously updated as needed. Comparisons are made with experimental data
where available.
