Two series of triple- and single-domain reconstructions induced by europium on vicinal Si(1 1 1) []-miscut surface

Abstract The growth and properties of Eu-induced one-dimensional reconstructions on vicinal Si(1 1 1) surface miscut in the [ 1 1 2 ] direction have been studied by low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscope in the submonolayer range. The focus has been attended to the formation of single-domain structures and the influence of preparation parameters on the domain orientation. We have found the critical conditions for the preparation of a variety of Eu-induced single-domain ( n ×2) and ( n ×1) structures. In addition, a new intermediate phase showing the 9×1 periodicity between 3×2 and 2×1 phases is detected.