Growth of a smooth epitaxial γ-Fe film on the Cu(110) surface

摘要: Iron films, grown on Cu(110) surfaces, are very rough when prepared under normal growth conditions. When Fe is deposited at room temperature, Stranski-Krastanov observed, i.e. three-dimensional (3D) islands form. Here it shown that a smooth 5 ML thick film can be the surface by depositing low temperature (T < 125 K) and subsequently anneal to 240 K. Since thermodynamically stable state of where has surface, as found after deposition obtained annealing low-temperature considered metastable. Long-time stability film, for periods several hours, was 140 K below. Keeping or above results in formation large 3D evidenced (111) facets. The mechanism which preparation based discussed terms competition between smoothening outermost layer nucleation holes leads islands.