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The atomic structure and morphology of ultrathin Pb layers deposited on the Ni(001) face in ultrahigh vacuum at the substrate temperature, ranging from 145 K to 900 K, were investigated with the use of the Auger electron spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. The analysis of the Auger electron spectroscopy measurements indicates that the Volmer–Weber growth of the Pb takes place for substrate temperature T < 300 K. Between 300 and 600 K, the Stranski–Krastanov growth mode is observed. For 600 K ≤ T ≤ 700 K, only first two-dimensional Pb layer formation is found. Above 700 K desorption of lead atoms from the first layer is observed. The ordered low-energy electron diffraction patterns corresponding to p(1 × 1) and c(2 × 2) structures are observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]