High anisotropic inserted dendritic growth during first stage of Zn monolayer deposition on Ag(111) substrate

TL;DR

This study investigates the initial stage of zinc monolayer deposition on Ag(111), revealing a unique anisotropic dendritic growth pattern and proposing mechanisms for its formation and transition to layered growth.

Contribution

It introduces the discovery of a highly anisotropic finger-like dendritic structure during Zn monolayer growth on Ag(111) and proposes mechanisms for its development and transition.

Findings

Identification of a unique finger-like dendritic growth pattern.

Proposal of mechanisms for dendritic growth and transition to layered growth.

Use of STM, AES, and LEED techniques to analyze growth behavior.

Abstract

Sub-monolayer physical layer deposition of Zn on Ag(111) substrate at room temperature is investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. We identified an original Zn highly-anisotropic structure in the shape of finger-like inserted dendrite in front of Zn monolayer growth. On the basis of STM observations, a mechanism of inserted dendritic growth and a mechanism of its transition to layered growth are proposed.