Structure of the Au/Si(111) surface by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract

Scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to investigate the structure of the Si(111) √3 × √3-Au surface. The constant current images exhibit an hexagonal pattern of bumps with triangular shape consistent with the existing trimer models for this interface. Tunneling spectroscopy measurements confirm the existence of a Au-induced surface state located at 1.3eV above the Fermi level.