Thermodynamic evidence of first-order melting of Xe on graphite

Precision heat-capacity and vapor-pressure isotherm measurements indicate that the melting of monolayer Xe on graphite is always first order. This conclusion is consistent with the results of simulation studies but in sharp contrast with the claim advanced in a series of x-ray studies of a crossover from first-order to continuous Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young melting.