Characterization of early growth stages of Pb/Ge(001)

TitleCharacterization of early growth stages of Pb/Ge(001)
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsBavdek, G, Verdini, A, Cossaro, A, Morgante, A, Floreano, L, Cvetko, D
JournalSurface science
Volume630
Pagination260–264
ISSN0039-6028
KeywordsHelium atom scattering, Metallic films, Photoelectron diffraction, Quantum size effects, Thin films growth
Abstract

Early stages of thin Pb film growth on Ge(001) substrate, exhibiting quantum size effects (QSE), are characterized by means of Photoelectron Diffraction and Helium Atom Scattering. Pb is found to form a commensurate first monolayer, while an ordered layer-by-layer growth only sets in after deposition of 4 monolayers. In the intermediate coverage range no long range order of the overlayer is established and we find that uncorrelated islands of preferred four-layer thickness are formed. Continuous Pb film with long range order emerges through islands coalescence close to a coverage of 4 monolayers, upon which a more regular layer-by-layer growth mode sets in. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI10.1016/j.susc.2014.08.004