Abstract
Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy on Cu/Pb(111) reveals a new growth mode, contrary to the Volmer-Weber mode expected from the significantly lower surface energy of Pb. (111)-oriented Cu islands with a thickness of 3–11 layers are immersed in the Pb substrate and covered by a single close-packed Pb layer. This subsurface growth mode occurring at room temperature can be explained by simple thermodynamic considerations.
- Received 5 April 1995
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.75.2976
©1995 American Physical Society