Visualization of the inverse layer-plus-island growth in Fe islands on W(110) substrate

Abstract Many experiments have been conducted so far to control the growth mode in heterostructures, but success has only been restricted to strain-controlled growth systems. In this study, using the shadow mask deposition technique, we have changed the growth mode in the Fe/W heterostructures from the layer-plus-island growth mode to island-plus-layer growth mode. From this, we have ignited the competing growth between forming the islands and wetting the first layer, and have directly visualized the island-plus-layer growth by controlling the annealing temperature of the system. This unconventional growth mode may play an important role in studying the hidden boundaries of hetero-interfaces.