Dynamics of Two-Dimensional Ordering of an Overlayer with Fourfold-Degenerate Ground State:W(110)p(2×1)−O

Abstract

The dynamics of ordering of $\mathrm{W}\mathrm{}\left(110\right)p(2\mathrm{}\times 1)-\mathrm{O}$ has been studied at two coverages with use of low-energy electron diffraction. Island coarsening and diffusion-limited island growth mechanisms are identified at the coverage corresponding to two-phase coexistence, while in the one-phase region, domain growth is observed. In all cases, the increase in the average size of ordered regions follows a $t^{\frac{1}{2}}$ dependence. Activation energies and frequency factors are extracted.