Abstract
We have previously shown, in UHV–SEM studies of Ag/Fe(110), that Ag(111) islands grow on top of two intermediate monolayers of Ag in the Stranski–Krastanov (SK) mode. In the present work, Fe was deposited on samples consisting of (1–5 ML) annealed Ag layers on Fe(110). Growth, structure and intermixing were monitored by biased secondary electron imaging (b-SEI), reflection electron diffraction (RHEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). At room temperature (RT), Fe islands grow in a (110) orientation on (1–2 ML) Ag(111)/Fe(110). Due to kinetic limitations, these islands form facets similar to those obtained in the Fe/Fe(110) system. These limitations are overcome in the Fe/Fe(110) system by depositing at 250°C. All three orientations in the Nishiyama–Wassermann relationship are observed for Fe islands grown on thicker, but not on thinner, Ag layers. Quantitative AES indicates that there is intermixing at the monolayer level between the deposited Fe atoms and underlying Ag layers even at RT. During annealing, or for deposition at 250°C, Ag atoms undergo long range diffusion towards the top of the deposit, but kinetic limitations are not completely overcome for 5 ML Ag layers; for thinner layers, the Fe islands flatten forming additional substrate layers at the Ag/Fe(110) interface.
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.
