https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2011-10604-8
Regular Article
Structure of AuSi nanoparticles on Si(111) from reflection high-energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy
Institut für Physik, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 3,
18055
Rostock,
Germany
a
e-mail: stephan.bartling@uni-rostock.de
Received:
20
October
2010
Received in final form:
11
January
2011
Published online:
17
May
2011
Gold-rich AuxSi1−x particles grown on Si(111)7 × 7 are studied by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The diffraction patterns reveal that (1) at least two different crystal structures coexist on the substrate; (2) the most prominent data correspond to a rhombohedral or quasi closed-packed structure; and (3) the particles show formation of an unusual contact facet to the substrate. Complete crystal alignment of the particles to the substrate lattice is found with no hints of random orientation. The findings are compared to STM images in terms of their structure, orientation, and morphology.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag 2011
