Scanning tunnelling microscopy observation of triangular nanostructures formed on the iodine covered Cu(1 1 1) is presented. It is found that at a coverage Θ=0.30 ML a network of misfit dislocation loops of triangular shape is formed on the surface. The observed “triangles” can be subdivided into two different groups on the basis of the atomic structure inside the loops: (2×2)-I and (√3×√3) R30°-I. Misfit dislocation loops formation is explained in terms of the adsorbate induced surface stress relaxation.
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