Abstract
The morphology and the electronic structure of ultrathin Ni films grown on the oxygen-passivated Fe(001)-$p(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$O surface are investigated by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We observe that oxygen efficiently floats on top of the Ni film and has an ``anti-surfactant'' effect on the Ni/Fe(001) interface, promoting the formation of two-layer-high islands since the first stages of growth, whereas the Ni growth on the oxygen-free Fe(001) surface proceeds in a layer-by-layer mode. Our experimental results show that the effectiveness of the oxygen surfactant action in the growth of metal thin films strongly depends on the choice of the substrate and overlayer combination.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
