Abstract

Surface-diffusion-induced aging processes have been observed in epitaxial Au films on Ag(111) which were prepared by vapour deposition at 30°C and subsequently annealed at temperatures between 100 and 210°C. In discontinuous Au films (thickness<5 monolayers) at temperatures below 170°C overlayers of Ag substrate material are created on top of the Au films, whereas at temperatures above 170°C the film and substrate materials are intermixed in the surface region. Continuous Au films, however, are completely levelled during annealing. The growth-induced surface roughness disappears, and perfectly flat surfaces develop exhibiting only some 2D islands or pits. The results obtained for the Au-Ag system are expected to be applicable to other systems, too.

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