Abstract
The fluctuation properties of steps relevant to step coalescence have been measured using scanning tunneling microscopy on a Si(113) surface miscut along a low symmetry azimuth. In local thermal equilibrium at $710\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$, coexistence of single, double, triple, and quadruple steps has been observed. From direct measurement of the step-correlation function, the step stiffness is shown to be proportional to the step height, with an additional stabilization of double-height steps. This result is shown to require a step-step attraction energy close to $\mathrm{kT}$.
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