Magnetic anisotropies and coupling mechanisms in Fe/Mo(110) nanostripes

Using low-temperature (5 K) spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, we have studied the morphology and magnetic properties of monolayer (ML) and double layer (DL) thick Fe nanowires grown by step flow on a Mo(110) single crystal. Magnetic contrast has been obtained using tungsten tips covered by Au/Co thin films. We find that the DL Fe nanowires, similarly to ML Fe nanowires, are perpendicularly magnetized. Because of the dipolar coupling, separated DL Fe nanowires are antiferromagnetically coupled. DL wires that are touching at step edges are ferromagnetically ordered due to direct exchange coupling. We measured the widths of the magnetic domain walls in the ML and DL Fe nanowires. The domain wall width increases with the thickness of Fe.     

Damping caused by fatigue in porous 316L steel

An analysis of the effect of microcracks in porous metals on amplitude-dependent internal friction (ADIF) is carried out. A mathematical model is developed, which takes into account an initial distribution of microcracks lengths defining subsequent crack growth during cycling. Using the Dugdale model, the linear density of microplastic zones at the tips of the microcracks is obtained as a function of applied stress and porosity. Resulting simulations of internal friction are compared with corresponding experimental data.     

Strong influence of defects on the electronic structure of Pt adatoms and clusters on graphite

We study the specific impact of defects such as step edges at the graphite surface on the electronic configuration of adsorbed Pt atoms and Pt₈ clusters. Surface diffusion is strongly reduced by depositing Pt and Pt₈ into a thin rare gas layer. In this configuration a very narrow adatom Pt 4f spectrum is found at an exceptionally small binding energy, similar to Pt surfaces. Both, adatom and cluster spectra are strongly shifted towards higher binding energy when allowed to diffuse towards defects like step edges. The strong shifts are indicative of a chemical reaction at the step edges and are conjectured to be part of the particle size dependent binding energy shifts typically observed for transition metal clusters grown on the surface of graphite.     

Dynamic sliding friction between concentric carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study mechanical energy dissipation in carbon nanotube oscillators of lengths of tens of nanometers. The principal source of friction is found to be the ends of the tubes and hence dynamical friction is virtually independent of the overlap area between tubes. As a result of this, tube commensuration does not lead to significantly increased frictional forces. The friction force is found to depend strongly and nonlinearly on the relative velocity of the tubes. It is suggested that a strong velocity dependence and strong contributions from surface edges may be quite general features of friction at the nanoscale.     

Step instability of the In_0.2Ga_0.8As （001） surface during annealing

Anisotropic evolution of the step edges on the compressive-strained In0.2Ga0.8 As/GaAs(001) surface has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The experiments suggest that step edges are indeed sinuous and protrude somewhere a little way along the [110] direction, which is different from the classical waviness predicted by the theoretical model. We consider that the monatomic step edges undergo a morphological instability induced by the anisotropic diffusion of adatoms on the terrace during annealing, and we improve a kinetic model of step edge based on the classical Burton–Cabrera–Frank (BCF) model in order to determine the normal velocity of step enlargement. The results show that the normal velocity is proportional to the arc length of the peninsula, which is consistent with the first result of our kinetic model. Additionally, a significant phenomenon is an excess elongation along the [110] direction at the top of the peninsula with a higher aspect ratio, which is attributed to the restriction of diffusion lengths.     

Step instability of the In0.2Ga0.8As （001） surface during annealing

Anisotropic evolution of the step edges on the compressive-strained In0.2Ga0.8 As/GaAs(001) surface has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The experiments suggest that step edges are indeed sinuous and protrude somewhere a little way along the [110] direction, which is different from the classical waviness predicted by the theoretical model. We consider that the monatomic step edges undergo a morphological instability induced by the anisotropic diffusion of adatoms on the terrace during annealing, and we improve a kinetic model of step edge based on the classical Burton–Cabrera–Frank (BCF) model in order to determine the normal velocity of step enlargement. The results show that the normal velocity is proportional to the arc length of the peninsula, which is consistent with the first result of our kinetic model. Additionally, a significant phenomenon is an excess elongation along the [110] direction at the top of the peninsula with a higher aspect ratio, which is attributed to the restriction of diffusion lengths.     

The influence of the structure of a nanocrystalline solid (sandstone) on the dynamics of microcrack accumulation on friction

On friction of a heterogeneous material: sandstone, flashes of triboluminescence are observed. Triboluminescence arises on the relaxation of excitation of free radicals ≡Si–O^–. These radicals form on disruptions of Si–O–Si bonds and are located at microcrack edges. Microcracks form at the boundaries of feldspar and quartz microcrystals. Their sizes range from ~0.4 to ~7 μm. The microcrack formation on friction leads to the spalling of feldspar and quartz microcrystals from a sample.     

一种无参考型模糊图像质量评价方法

图像的边缘信息是人眼观察和识别物体的重要特征,根据模糊图像相对于清晰图像其边缘特征发生较大变化的特点,提出了一种基于边缘锐度的无参考模糊图像质量评价方法。首先,通过文中所示方法寻找图像中的所有阶跃边缘;其次,根据一些原则选择合适的部分边缘;最终,计算这些合适边缘的锐利程度作为图像的模糊度评价依据。实验结果表明,该方法相比于全参考模型SSIM能够更好地评价高斯模糊、离焦模糊等模糊类型图像,与主观评价结构相关性强,更符合人眼视觉系统特性,并且易于实现。     

Effects of ramp vibrational states on flexural intrinsic vibrations in Besocke-style scanners

For both the vibrating and steady supporting surfaces of a scanning disk in a Besocke-style piezoelectric scanner, a theoretical model is given by considering the nonlinear lateral friction at the micro-contact interface between the positioning legs and the supporting surface. Numerical simulations demonstrate that unexpected flexural vibrations can arise from a vibrating ramp, and their frequencies are lower than the eigenfrequencies of the scanner in the linearly elastic regime. The vibrations essentially depend on 1） the vibrational states of the supporting ramp and the steel ball tips on the three piezo- electric positioning legs, and 2） the tribological characteristics of the contacts between the tips and the ramp. The results give an insight into the intrinsic vibrations of the scanners, and are applicable in designing and optimizing piezoelectric scanning systems.     

Thermal-induced edge barriers and forces in interlayer interaction of concentric carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that thermal-induced edge barriers and forces can govern the interlayer interaction of double walled carbon nanotubes. As a result, friction in such systems depends on both the area of contact and the length of the contact edges. The latter effect is negligible in macroscopic friction and provides a feasible explanation for the seemingly contradictory laws of interlayer friction, which have been reported in the literature. The temperature-dependent edge forces can be utilized as a driving force in carbon nanotube thermal actuators, and has general implications for nanoscale friction and contact.     

Highly reproducible tip‐enhanced Raman scattering using an oxidized and metallized silicon cantilever tip as a tool for everyone

We have successfully improved the reproducibility of tip‐enhancement effect on metallized silicon cantilever tips for characterization of carbon nanotubes. Plasmon resonance tuning relative to an excitation wavelength is crucial for efficient tip‐enhancement, which is accomplished by thermal oxidization and subsequent metallization of commercial silicon tips. Because of the change of the refractive index of the tip from silicon to silicon dioxide, the plasmon resonance of the silver‐coated tip is blue‐shifted showing an enormous enhancement at 532 nm excitation. Highly reproducible tips exhibit an enhancement factor of >100 with a 100% yield. Because the tips are fabricated from commercially available silicon cantilever tips in a simple and robust way, our approach provides an important step of ‘tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for everyone’. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A computer program for automated step edge motion analysis from scanning probe microscopy images

A computer algorithm was developed to automatically track the displacement of straight step edges between sequential scanning probe microscopy images of single-crystal surfaces. The program utilizes the Canny edge detection algorithm followed by the Hough Transform of the edge map to identify step edges according to their direction, relative to the image axes, and according to their displacement, relative to the image origin. The tracking of individual steps is facilitated by the fact that straight edges in general maintain their direction and therefore, steps of similar displacement but different direction can be sorted. The algorithm is based on the assumption that the rate of image acquisition is much greater than the rate of (mono)layer growth/dissolution, requiring that changes in step displacement are small in successive images. The change in step displacement in sequential images leads directly to the calculation of the step speed. By tabulating all changes in step displacement through a sequence of images, a statistical representation of the step edge data is produced. The program was evaluated using a sequence of 20 atomic force microscopy images from a calcite (104) surface growing from a supersaturated aqueous solution. The program required, in total, 5 CPU-minutes running on a Pentium 4 processor to compute the mean step speed with 60% precision whereas the equivalent number of measurements performed “by hand” required 6 person-hours at 70% precision. For comparable output, the computer program therefore represents a factor of about 100 decrease in required effort.     

Formate-induced destabilization of the Cu(1 1 0) surface

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images show that adsorbed formate has a profound affect on the step edges of Cu(1 1 0) surfaces at room temperature. For low exposures, the presence of formate enhances step fluctuations as confirmed by a correlation function analysis. For formate coverages approaching 0.5 monolayers, drastic restructuring of step edges is observed. Quantum chemical calculations help to explain this behavior.     

Work function of stepped tungsten single crystal surfaces

The work function of regularly stepped tungsten single crystal planes has been investigated as function of terrace width and step orientation. The terraces were always formed by (110) planes. One set of samples exhibited step edges running parallel to the [001] direction but different terrace widths. Another set with almost equal terrace width showed step edges of different directions with correspondingly different edge structures. The work function measurements were performed using thermionic emission in the temperature range 2000–2800 K. The work function decreases linearly with step density for a given step orientation. Different step orientations give rise to slightly different work function reductions. The results are interpreted by attributing additional dipole moments to edge atoms. Different edge structures lead to different dipole moments. These findings are consistent with Smoluchowski's “smoothing effect” of the electron charge distribution caused by the structural arrangement of surface atoms. The temperature coefficient of the work function also depends strongly on step density and step orientation.     

Step-edge induced anisotropic domain-wall propagation

We report the observation of anisotropic domain-wall propagation in ultrathin magnetic films with perpendicular anisotropy. A controlled density of step edges was introduced which allowed us to quantify its influence on the domain-wall pinning. For a sawtooth arrangement of the step edges the corresponding wall movement resulted in triangular shaped domains. All aspects of this anisotropic domain-wall evolution could be reproduced by a simulation based on a modified Ginzburg-Landau-type soft-spin model.     

基于蒙特卡罗方法的4H-SiC(0001)面聚并台阶形貌演化机理

针对SiC外延生长中微观原子动力学过程,建立了一个三维蒙特卡罗模型来研究偏向■或■方向4H-SiC(0001)邻晶面上台阶形貌演化过程,并且利用Burton-Cabera-Frank理论分析了其形成机理.在蒙特卡罗模型中,首先建立了一个计算4H-SiC晶体生长过程的晶格网格,用来确定Si原子和C原子晶格坐标以及联系它们之间的化学键;其次,考虑了原子在台阶面上的吸附、扩散,原子在台阶边上的附着、分离以及传输等过程;最后,为了更加详细地捕捉微观原子在晶体表面的动力学过程信息,该模型把Si原子和C原子分别对待,同时还考虑了能量势垒对吸附原子影响.模拟结果表明:在偏向■方向的4H-SiC(0001)邻晶面,有一个晶胞高度的聚并台阶形貌形成,而对于偏向■方向的邻晶面,出现了半个晶胞高度的聚并台阶形貌,该模拟结果与实验中观察到的结果相符合.最后,利用Burton-Cabera-Frank理论对聚并台阶形貌演化机理进行了讨论.     

Surface diffusion during decay of nano-island on Si(1 0 0) at high temperature

Surface diffusion during decay of a two-dimensional nano-island formed on Si(1 0 0) surface at 750-800 K is studied using STM and a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. From a surface diffusion point of view, decay proceeds so that the total diffusion rate of atoms on a surface decreases. Atoms at step edges move more frequently than terrace atoms, which results in decay from step edges of the island. In addition, a terrace atom takes part in surface diffusion in the same way as an atom from steps of the island once it hops up on a terrace leaving a vacancy. The mass transport is not a specific atom process but terrace atoms and vacancies on the terrace are involved. Repeated upward and downward hops of atoms and their difference are combined with surface diffusion, which leads to the mass transport. Some tracks of atom using simulation show random walk with preferential diffusion along step edges, re-entering to the island, exchange of diffusing atom and filling in a vacancy on the terrace. The motion of the center of the island to the upper side of the terrace observed by STM is also well reproduced in the simulation.     

Identification of Ge/Si intermixing processes at the Bi/Ge/Si(111) surface

The chemical contrast between Si and Ge obtained by scanning tunneling microscopy on Bi-covered Si(111) surfaces is used as a tool to identify two vertical Ge/Si intermixing processes. During annealing of an initially pure Ge monolayer on Si, the intermixing is confined to the first two layers approaching a 50% Ge concentration in each layer. During epitaxial growth, a growth front induced intermixing process acting at step edges is observed. Because of the open atomic structure at the step edges, relative to the terraces, a lower activation barrier for intermixing at the step edge, compared to the terrace, is observed.     

Dipole moments associated with edge atoms; A comparative study on stepped Pt,Au and W surfaces

Work function measurements have been performed on stepped Pt and Au surfaces with (111) terraces and on W surfaces with (110) terraces. In each case the work function decreases linearly with increasing step density and depends on the step orientation. The work function changes are attributed to dipole moments associated with the step edges. The dipole moments per unit step length are larger for open edge structures than for densely packed ones. The dipole moments for Pt are about twice as large as for Au and W.     

Ethylene dissociation on flat and stepped Ni(1 1 1): A combined STM and DFT study

The dissociative adsorption of ethylene (C₂H₄) on Ni(1 1 1) was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The STM studies reveal that ethylene decomposes exclusively at the step edges at room temperature. However, the step edge sites are poisoned by the reaction products and thus only a small brim of decomposed ethylene is formed. At 500 K decomposition on the (1 1 1) facets leads to a continuous growth of carbidic islands, which nucleate along the step edges.DFT calculations were performed for several intermediate steps in the decomposition of ethylene on both Ni(1 1 1) and the stepped Ni(2 1 1) surface. In general the Ni(2 1 1) surface is found to have a higher reactivity than the Ni(1 1 1) surface. Furthermore, the calculations show that the influence of step edge atoms is very different for the different reaction pathways. In particular the barrier for dissociation is lowered significantly more than the barrier for dehydrogenation, and this is of great importance for the bond-breaking selectivity of Ni surfaces.The influence of step edges was also probed by evaporating Ag onto the Ni(1 1 1) surface. STM shows that the room temperature evaporation leads to a step flow growth of Ag islands, and a subsequent annealing at 800 K causes the Ag atoms to completely wet the step edges of Ni(1 1 1). The blocking of the step edges is shown to prevent all decomposition of ethylene at room temperature, whereas the terrace site decomposition at 500 K is confirmed to be unaffected by the Ag atoms.Finally a high surface area NiAg alloy catalyst supported on MgAl₂O₄ was synthesized and tested in flow reactor measurements. The NiAg catalyst has a much lower activity for ethane hydrogenolysis than a similar Ni catalyst, which can be rationalized by the STM and DFT results.