Formation of stable, two-dimensional alloy-surface phases: Sn on Cu(111), Ni(111), and Pt(111)

Journal Article · Tue Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.46.7868· OSTI ID:7019440

Overbury, S H; Ku, Y ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6201 (United States)

Results are summarized of ion-scattering analysis of the surface structure obtained following deposition and annealing of ultrathin layers of Sn on Cu(111), Ni(111), and Pt(111). It is found that on each substrate, annealing to about 0.4 of the substrate melting temperature gives rise to a stable structure characterized by a {ital p}({radical}3{times} {radical}3)-{ital R}30{degree} low-energy electron diffraction pattern and 1/3 monolayer coverage. The surfaces are isostructural and correspond to rippled surface alloy which is a single layer thick. The measured rippling, in which Sn atoms protrude outward from neighboring substrate atoms, is found to be linearly related to the substrate lattice constant suggesting that rippling provides lateral strain relief within the layer. Issues of the depth distribution, the thermal stability, the preferential formation of the {ital p}({radical}3 {times} {radical}3 )-{ital R}30{degree} ordering, and the measured rippling are discussed in light of the ion-scattering results and theoretical studies of surface alloys.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 7019440
• Journal Information: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review, B: Condensed Matter; (United States) Vol. 46:12; ISSN PRBMD; ISSN 0163-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360102* -- Metals & Alloys-- Structure & Phase Studies
ALLOYS
ANNEALING
COLLISIONS
COPPER
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
FILMS
HEAT TREATMENTS
ION COLLISIONS
MELTING POINTS
METALS
NICKEL
PHASE STUDIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
STABILITY
SURFACE PROPERTIES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THIN FILMS
TIN
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TRANSITION TEMPERATURE