The first stages of aggregation of low energy deposited carbon clusters on Ag(1 1 0) surface have been observed in situ by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Sub-monolayer coverages of the substrate at room temperature have been obtained by using a supersonic neutral cluster beam with a mass distribution centered at an average of 900 atoms/cluster. We observe that clusters are able to diffuse on the surface and along steps, and organise themselves in compact islands principally located at step edges. Size of supported islands ranges from a few nm up to 40 nm. A statistical analysis based on several STM images shows that the island size follows a lognormal distribution law. Possible mechanisms involved in the diffusion and coalescence of carbon clusters on metallic surfaces are discussed.
In situ investigation of the first stages of growth of cluster-assembled carbon films by scanning tunnelling microscopy / F. Siviero, E. Barborini, C. Boragno, R. Buzio, E. Gnecco, C. Lenardi, P. Piseri, S. Vinati, U. Valbusa, P. Milani. - In: SURFACE SCIENCE. - ISSN 0039-6028. - 513:2(2002), pp. 381-388. [10.1016/S0039-6028(02)01786-7]
In situ investigation of the first stages of growth of cluster-assembled carbon films by scanning tunnelling microscopy
C. Lenardi;P. Piseri;P. MilaniUltimo
2002
Abstract
The first stages of aggregation of low energy deposited carbon clusters on Ag(1 1 0) surface have been observed in situ by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Sub-monolayer coverages of the substrate at room temperature have been obtained by using a supersonic neutral cluster beam with a mass distribution centered at an average of 900 atoms/cluster. We observe that clusters are able to diffuse on the surface and along steps, and organise themselves in compact islands principally located at step edges. Size of supported islands ranges from a few nm up to 40 nm. A statistical analysis based on several STM images shows that the island size follows a lognormal distribution law. Possible mechanisms involved in the diffusion and coalescence of carbon clusters on metallic surfaces are discussed.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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