Study on Formation Process and Models of Linear Fe Cluster Structure on a Si(111)-7 × 7-CH3OH Surface

• Main Authors: Wenxin Li, Wanyu Ding, Dongying Ju, Ken-ichi Tanaka, Fumio Komori
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-09-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: STM; CH3OH; evaporation; cluster; linear structure
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/11/9/1593

STM results showed that Fe atoms were deposited on a Si(111)-7 × 7 reconstructed surface, which was saturated with CH3OH molecules. Fe atomic linear structure was composed of stable clusters and in-situ observed by the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The aim to improve its application of magnetic memory material, both formation process and models, has been explored in this paper. By combining surface images and mass spectrometer data, an intermediate layer model was established. In terms of thermal stability, the most favorable adsorption sites of CH3OH were further explored. After that, Fe atoms were deposited on the Si(111)-7 × 7-CH3OH surface, forming a linear cluster structure. On the one hand, a new Fe cluster model was put forward in this paper, which was established with height measurement and 3D surface display technology. This model is also affected by the evaporation temperature, which can be consistent with the atomic stacking pattern of face centered cubic structures. On the other hand, the slight height change suggested the stability of linear structures. Even in the condition of thin air introduction, Fe cluster showed a good performance, which suggested the possibility of magnetic memory application in the future. These investigations are believed to have, to a certain extent, increased the probability of forming Fe linear clusters on the surface of silicon substrate, especially according to the models and surface technology we adjusted.