Phase coexistence during surface phase transitions.
In contrast to standard thermodynamic models, we observe phase coexistence over an extended temperature range at a first-order surface phase transition. We have measured the domain evolution of the Si(111)-( 7x7) to ( 1x1) phase transition with temperature, using low-energy electron microscopy. Comparison with detailed, quantitative theoretical predictions shows that coexistence is due to long-range elastic and electrostatic domain interactions. Phase coexistence is predicted to be a universal feature of surface phase transitions.
Hannon
J B
JB
IBM Research Division, T.J. Watson Research Center, P.O. Box 218, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, USA.
zu Heringdorf
F J
FJ
Tersoff
J
J
Tromp
R M
RM