Building Pb nanomesas with atomic-layer precision.
We demonstrate a novel scheme for manipulating metallic nanostructures involving a macroscopic number of atoms, yet with precise control in their local structures. The scheme entails a two-step process: (a) a triggering step using a scanning tunneling microscope, followed by (b) self-driven and self-limiting mass-transfer process. By using this scheme, we construct Pb nanomesas on Si(111) substrates whose thickness can be controlled with atomic-layer precision. The kinetic barrier for the mass transfer and the underlying mechanism behind this novel manipulation are determined.
Jiang
C-S
CS
Department of Physics, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
Li
S-C
SC
Yu
H-B
HB
Eom
D
D
Wang
X-D
XD
Ebert
Ph
P
Jia
J-F
JF
Xue
Q-K
QK
Shih
C-K
CK