Abstract

We have investigated the interaction between slip traces and vicinal steps on the Nb(111) surface under increasing external strain. By exploiting an extended scanning tunneling microscopy analysis, we here show that emerging dislocations at the free-surface can induce the full disappearance of atomic terraces. To shed light on the observed behavior, we have modeled the elastic interaction between a screw dislocation and a vicinal step in the actual experimental configuration. After computing the adatom chemical potential, we show that strain-mediated diffusion on surface causes step erosion, possibly leading to vanishing of full terraces.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.