Initial growth stages of AlF3 on Cu(100): an STM study

MORENO LÓPEZ, J.C.; PASSEGGI (JR.), M.C.G.; RUANO, G.; VIDAL, R.A.; FERRÓN, J.

Physica Status Solidi C

Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co.KG aA

Lugar: Weinheim, Germany; Año: 2010 vol. 7 p. 2712 - 2715

1610-1642

In this study we present results concerning the early growth stages of an insulator-metal interface by means of scanning tunnelling microscopy. In particular, we report the growth of aluminium fluoride (AlF3) islands over a Cu(100) surface at room temperature, from sub-monola-yer coverages up to 1.25 monolayers. These islands cover the substrate with a single monolayer film up to depositions of 0.80 monolayers, with 3D growth beyond this coverage. High voltages (V > 2.50 V) are needed to obtain STM images, showing the insulator character of the AlF3 islands. Important modifications are observed in the AlF3/Cu(100) surface after an annealing treatment.