Growth and structural evolution of Sn on Ag(001): Epitaxial monolayer to thick alloy film
- Surface Physics and Material Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India and Department of Applied Sciences, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia, 721657 Purba Medinipur, West Bengal (India)
- Surface Physics and Material Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064 (India)
The growth and structure of Sn on Ag(001), from submonolayer to thick film coverages at room temperature, are studied using low energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) techniques. The authors observe different growth modes for submonolayer Sn coverages and for higher Sn coverages. Systematic surface structural evolution, consistent with the substitution of surface Ag atoms by Sn atoms, is observed for submonolayer Sn coverages while an ordered Ag-Sn bulk alloy film is formed for higher Sn coverages with an Ag overlayer. For monolayer coverage of Sn, a pseudomorphic growth of a Sn layer without alloying is determined. ARPES results also confirm the presence of an ordered Ag overlayer on the bulk Ag-Sn alloy film, suggesting the formation of an Ag/Ag{sub 3}Sn/Ag(001) sandwich structure at the surface for higher Sn coverages. The present results illustrate the complex interplay of atomic mobilities, surface free-energies, and alloy formation energies in determining the growth and structural properties of the system.
- OSTI ID:
- 22592879
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, Vacuum, Surfaces and Films, Vol. 34, Issue 4; Other Information: (c) 2016 American Vacuum Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0734-2101
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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