Scanning-tunneling-microscopy studies of Ag on Si(100)-(2×1)

Abstract
The adsorption and growth of Ag on Si(100) at room temperature have been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. The initial adsorption of Ag occurs at the two-fold bridge site in between adjacent Si dimer rows. Ag atomic chains are formed with preferred lengths. Metallic Ag islands form at coverages ≳0.5 ML, and develop into (111)- and (110)-oriented crystallites covering the entire surface at higher coverages.