Self-organization of gold atoms on a polar FeO(111) surface.
The spatial distribution of single Au atoms on a thin FeO film has been investigated by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The adatoms preferentially adsorb on distinct sites of the Moiré cell formed by the oxide layer and the Pt(111) support and arrange into a well-ordered hexagonal superlattice with 25 angstroms lattice constant. The self-organization is the consequence of an inhomogeneous surface potential within the FeO Moiré cell and substantial electrostatic repulsion between the adatoms.
Nilius
Niklas
N
Fritz-Haber Institut der MPG, Faradayweg 4-6, D14195 Berlin, Germany. nilius@fhi-berlin-mpg.de
Rienks
Emile D L
ED
Rust
Hans-Peter
HP
Freund
Hans-Joachim
HJ