Atomically precise Si(331)-(12x1) surfaces

Battaglia, Corsin; Monney, Claude; Didiot, Clement; Schwier, Eike Fabian; Mariotti, Nicolas; Garnier, Michael Gunnar; Aebi, Philipp

Atomically precise Si(331)-(12x1) surfaces

Authors

Garnier, Michael Gunnar

Aebi, Philipp

Description

Si(331)-(12x1) is the only confirmed planar silicon surface with a stable reconstruction located between (111) and (110). We have optimized the annealing sequence and are able to obtain almost defect free, atomically precise surface areas approaching micrometer dimensions. The unprecedented perfection of the surface combined with its pronounced structural anisotropy makes it a promising candidate to serve as template for the growth of self-assembled one-dimensional nanostructure arrays.