Comparative study of Pt, Au and Ag growth on Fe3O4(0 0 1) surface

The epitaxial growth of Pt, Au and Ag layers on Fe₃O₄(0 0 1) as a function of temperature and thickness have been studied. The layers were deposited by sputtering in an ultra high vacuum chamber and the structural properties were investigated by Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction, X-ray reflectivity and diffraction, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Our studies give evidence for three different growth behaviours depending both on the nature of the metals and the temperature. Comparison between the growth modes of the three metals will be discussed in relation with surface and interfaces energies.