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Detection of atomic surface structure on NbSe/sub 2/ and NbSe/sub 3/ at 77 and 4. 2 K using scanning tunneling microscopy

Journal Article · · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.575409· OSTI ID:5443599
Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies have been performed on NbSe/sub 2/ and NbSe/sub 3/ at 77 and 4.2 K. The surface atomic structure has been clearly resolved, but evidence of charge-density wave (CDW) modulation has only been observed at 4.2 K in NbSe/sub 3/. CDW's exist in NbSe/sub 2/ at 4.2 K and in NbSe/sub 3/ at 77 K, but the CDW amplitude is either too small or is screened by the remaining conduction electrons. The linear chain structure in NbSe/sub 3/ has been clearly resolved and the STM profiles are dominated by the heights and effective charges of the surface Se atoms. Improved sensitivity and resolution will be required to study any details of the CDW structure in both compounds.
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
OSTI ID:
5443599
Journal Information:
J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States) Vol. 6:2; ISSN JVTAD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English