Regresar

Quantum beating patterns observed in the energetics of Pb film nanostructures

Abstract:

The nanoscale structural evolution of Pb films grown at 110 K on a Si(111) substrate was studied. Surface X-ray diffraction from a synchrotron source was use to observe the morphology evolve from an initial smooth film through various metastable states before reaching a state of local equilibrium, at which point the coverage of different height Pb structures was analyzed. The morphology of the film was examined by quenching the system back to 110 K and scanning the extended X-ray reflectivity, at mltiple points during the annealing process. It was shown that a smooth film represents a metastable state which, upon annealing, evolves through preferred or magic structures to a thermodynamically more stable, highly roughened state.