Observation of superstructure formation on Rh{001} by laser-pulse assisted field evaporation

Pulsed-laser assisted field evaporation of the Rh{001} plane produces a p(2 × 2) structure. This structure can be destroyed by pulsed-laser heating the surface in the absence of an applied field, and can be restored to near perfection if the pulsed-laser heating is done in an applied field of 3 to 4 $\text{V}\text{A}\text{?}$. The degree of order increases with the applied electric field. The observed p(2 × 2) surface is therefore a field stabilized structure.