Adatom self-organization induced by quantum confinement of surface electrons

We present a novel mechanism of nanostructure growth based on quantum confinement of surface-state electrons. Ab initio calculations and the kinetic Monte Carlo simulations reveal the phenomenon of confinement-induced adatom self-organization in quantum corrals. Our studies indicate that new atomic-scale nanostructures can be engineered exploiting the quantum confinement of surface electrons.     

Buried Ni/Cu(001) interface at the atomic scale

We present a quantitative surface x-ray analysis of the buried Ni/Cu(001) interface structure after deposition of 3 and 5 monolayers of Ni at room temperature. Interface mixing is found where 27+/-10% of top layer Cu atoms are exchanged by Ni. Atomic scale simulations reveal a kinetic pathway for the Ni/Cu-exchange process and explain the observed limited degree of intermixing. A disperse distribution of Ni within the Cu surface with a preferential Ni-Ni separation of 3-4 nearest neighbor distances is determined.     

Effect of the long-range adsorbate interactions on the atomic self-assembly on metal surfaces

Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that short linear chains are often formed in the early stage of heteroepitaxy on the (1 1 1) noble metal surfaces at low temperatures. Here, we show that the surface-state mediated long-range interaction between adsorbates is the driving force for the self-organization of adsorbates at very low temperatures. Our kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for Co adatoms on Cu(1 1 1) and for Ce adatoms on Ag(1 1 1) reveal that these interactions can lead to the formation of linear chains.     

Electric field as a switching tool for magnetic states in atomic-scale nanostructures

One of the most promising candidates for the construction of ultrahigh-density storage media is low-dimensional atomic-scale magnetic nanostructures exhibiting magnetic bi- or multistability. Here we propose a novel route of locally controlling and switching magnetism in such nanostructures. Our ab initio studies reveal that externally applied electric field can be used for this purpose.     

Magnetic properties of Pd atomic chains formed during submonolayer deposition of 3d metals on Pd(110)

Recently, an unusual intermixing-driven scenario for the growth of atomic Pd chains on a Pd(110) surface during deposition of 3d metal atoms has been predicted (Stepanyuk 2009 Phys. Rev. B 79 155410) and confirmed by STM and STS experiments (Wie et al 2009 Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 225504). Performing ab initio calculations we demonstrate that Pd atomic chains grown above embedded Fe atoms exhibit magnetic properties which depend on the substrate mediated exchange interaction between the Fe atoms.