Structure of a Zn monolayer on Ag(111) and Ag(110) substrates: an AES, LEED and STM study

TL;DR

This study investigates the atomic structure of a zinc monolayer on silver substrates using AES, LEED, and STM, revealing specific Moiré patterns and rotated Zn layers with distinct superstructures.

Contribution

It provides detailed structural characterization of Zn monolayers on Ag(111) and Ag(110), including rotation angles and superstructure formations, using combined surface analysis techniques.

Findings

Zn monolayers form close-packed structures covering entire substrates.

Distinct Moiré patterns are observed on both faces.

Zn layers are rotated relative to the substrates, forming specific superstructures.

Abstract

Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Low Energy Electron Diffraction and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy have been used to study the atomic structure of a Zn monolayer deposited on Ag(111) and Ag(110) substrates at room temperature. On both faces, there is formation of a close packed monolayer of Zn covering the entire substrate surface and giving rise to specific Moir{\'e} patterns. From a comprehensive LEED and STM data analysis, we deduce that the Zn monolayer adopts a (111) structure equivalent to a pure Zn layer rotated with respect to the silver substrate, of about $1.5^\circ$ on the Ag(111) face and of about $4.5^\circ$ on the Ag(110) face giving rise respectively to ($\sqrt{156}\times\sqrt{156})R18^\circ$ and c(12x6) superstructures.