“…The importance of understanding near-surface mechanical behavior cannot be overstated given the rapidity with which device scaling has occurred (Cheng et al, 2006;Cordill, 2007;Cordill et al, 2009;Cross et al, 2006;Fischer-Cripps, 2004;Mook et al, 2008;Schuh et al, 2005;White et al, 2005). Additionally, the difficulty in atomistic simulations of such properties with realistic temperature and temporal variables has placed a burden of proof on experimental confirmation (Cordill et al, 2009;Cross et al, 2006;Schuh et al, 2005).…”