Borderline magic clustering: the fabrication of tetravalent Pb cluster arrays on Si(111)-(7x7) surfaces

Well-ordered arrays of identical Pb clusters have been fabricated on a Si(111)-(7x7) substrate by the temperature-mediated surface clustering method. Interestingly, these clusters can easily transform into other forms when the growth temperature deviates slightly from the optimal values. In accord with experiments, first-principle total-energy calculations reveal several cluster structures centered on a mixed cluster model involving surface Pb and Si exchange. This borderline Pb/Si(111) system provides a unique, controlled way to study surface magic cluster formation and breakup dynamics.