Possible existence of quasi one-dimensional propagation of electron waves on a reconstructed Au(111) surface

Abstract

Standing-wave formation of Schockley surface-state electrons was observed on an Au(111)-(22 × √3) reconstructed surface using a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope at ca 30 K. Strong effects of the long-range “herringbone” reconstruction on the formation of standing waves in the Fermi-level surface-state electron density were clarified. Significant anisotropy observed in the formation of standing waves suggests the important role of the reconstructed structures on the propagation and interference of the surface-state electron waves. Generally, more enhanced modulations in the surface-state local-density-of-states were observed along the pairwise soliton walls than in other regions. This suggests the possible existence of quasi one-dimensional wave propagation paths along the soliton walls.