Nothing Moves a Surface: Vacancy Mediated Surface Diffusion

R. van Gastel, E. Somfai, S. B. van Albada, W. van Saarloos, and J. W. M. Frenken
Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 1562 – Published 19 February 2001
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Abstract

We report scanning tunneling microscopy observations, which imply that all atoms in a Cu(001) surface move frequently, even at room temperature. Using a low density of embedded indium “tracer” atoms, we visualize the diffusive motion of surface atoms. Surprisingly, the indium atoms seem to make concerted, long jumps. Responsible for this motion is an ultralow density of surface vacancies, diffusing rapidly within the surface. This interpretation is supported by a detailed analysis of the displacement distribution of the indium atoms, which reveals a shape characteristic for the vacancy mediated diffusion mechanism that we propose.

  • Received 8 September 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.1562

©2001 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

R. van Gastel1, E. Somfai2, S. B. van Albada1, W. van Saarloos2, and J. W. M. Frenken1

  • 1Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 2Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

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Vol. 86, Iss. 8 — 19 February 2001

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