GROWTH AND STABILITY OF ULTRA-THIN Pb FILMS ON Pb/Si(111)-α-√3 × √3

Abstract

Ultra-thin Pb films with magic thicknesses of 2 monolayer (ML), 4 ML and 6 ML were prepared of atomically flat on the substrate of Si (111)-α-√3 × √3 (or SIC phase) at 145 K. Their surface morphologies and stability were studied by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and temperature-dependent angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We found that the well ordered SIC interface can lower the diffusion barrier and enhance the interface charge transfer, leading to different critical thickness compared to Pb / Si (111)-7 × 7 grown under same conditions. Enhanced thermal expansion coefficients were also observed in ultra-thin Pb films at low temperature.