Search

We have characterized the magnetization easy-axis of ultra-thin Co films (2-5 atomic layers, AL) grown on Ru(0001) when they are capped with a monolayer of Pd. The addition of a Pd monolayer turns the magnetization of 3 and 4 AL-thick Co films from an in-plane to an out-of-plane alignment, but not that of a 5 AL-thick film. These observations are explained in terms of an enhancement of the surface anisotropy. The exposure of the sample to hydrogen, CO or a combination of both gases does not overcome this effect.

Folding two-dimensional graphene around one-dimensional III–V nanowires yields a new class of hybrid nanomaterials combining their excellent complementary properties. However, important for high-quality electrical and optical performance, needed in many applications, are well-controlled oxide-free interfaces and a tight folding morphology. To improve the interface chemistry between the graphene and InAs, we annealed the samples in atomic hydrogen. Using surface-sensitive imaging, we found that the III–V native oxides in the interface can be reduced at temperatures that maintain the graphene and the III–V nanostructures. Transferring both single- and multilayer graphene flakes onto InAs NWs, we found that single layers fold tightly around the NWs, while the multilayers fold weakly with a decline of only a few degrees. Annealing in atomic hydrogen further tightens the folding. Together, this indicates that high-quality morphological and chemical control of this hybrid material system is possible, opening for future devices for quantum technologies and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural superlubricity is a special frictionless contact in which two crystals are in incommensurate arrangement such that relative in-plane translation is associated with vanishing energy barrier crossing. So far, it has been realized in multilayer graphene and other van der Waals (2D crystals with hexagonal or triangular crystalline symmetries, leading to isotropic frictionless contacts. Directional structural superlubricity, to date unrealized in 2D systems, is possible when the reciprocal lattices of the two crystals coincide in one direction only. Here, directional structural superlubricity a α-bismuthene/graphite van der Waals system is evidenced, manifested by spontaneous hopping of the islands over hundreds of nanometers at room temperature, resolved by low-energy electron microscopy and supported by registry simulations. Statistical analysis of individual and collective α-bismuthene islands populations reveal a heavy-tailed distribution of the hopping lengths and sticking times indicative of Lévy flight dynamics, largely unobserved in condensed-matter systems., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Removal of the native surface oxide from steel is an important initial step during vacuum brazing. Trace and alloying elements in steel, such as Mn, Si, and Ni, can diffuse to the surface and influence the deoxidation process. The detailed surface chemical composition and grain morphology of the common stainless‐steel grade 316L is imaged and spectroscopically analyzed at several stages of in‐vacuum annealing from room temperature up to 850°C. Measurements are performed using synchrotron‐based X‐ray photoemission and low‐energy electron microscopy (XPEEM/LEEM). The initial native Cr surface oxide is amorphous and unaffected by the underlying Fe grain morphology. After annealing to ~700°C, the grain morphology is seen at the surface, persisting also after the complete oxygen removal at 850°C. The surface concentration of first Mn and then Si increases significantly when annealing to 500°C and 700°C, respectively, while Ni and Cr concentrations do not change. Mn and Si are not located only in grain boundaries or clusters but are distributed across over the surface. Both Mn and Si appear as oxides, while Cr oxide becomes metallic Cr. Annealing from 500°C up to 850°C leads to the removal of first the Mn and then Si oxides from the surface, while Cr and Fe are completely reduced to metals. Deoxidation of Cr occurs faster at the grain boundaries, and the final Cr metal surface content varies between the grains. The findings are summarized in a general qualitative model, relevant for austenite steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional materials composed of elements from the 15th group of the periodic table remain largely unexplored. The primary challenge in advancing this research is the lack of large-scale layers that would facilitate extensive studies using laterally averaging techniques and enable functionalization for the fabrication of novel electronic, optoelectronic, and spintronic devices. In this report, we present a method for synthesizing large-scale antimonene layers, on the order of cm 2 . By employing molecular beam epitaxy, we successfully grow a monolayer film of α-phase antimonene on a W(110) surface passivated with a single-atom-thick layer of Sb atoms. The formation of α phase antimonene is confirmed through scanning tunneling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction measurements. The isolated nature of the α-phase is further evidenced in the electronic structure, with linearly dispersed bands observed through angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and supported by ab initio calculations.

Chemical wave patterns and V-oxide redistribution in catalytic methanol oxidation on a VO x /Rh(110) surface have been investigated in the 10 -4  mbar range with low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and micro spot low-energy electron diffraction (micro-LEED) as in situ methods. V coverages of θ V =0.2 and 0.4 MLE (monolayer equivalents) were studied. Pulses display a c(2×2) pattern in the reduced part and (1×2) and c(2×8) structures in the oxidized part of the surface. At θ V =0.4 MLE (1×2)/(1×4) patterns with streaks along the [001]-direction at the 1/8 positions are present on the oxidized part of the surface. This phase can be assigned to V-oxide. On a tentative basis, an excitation mechanism for pulses is presented, Annealing the surface to 990 K under reaction conditions results in a macroscopic hole pattern in which holes of low VO x coverage are surrounded by a V-oxide layer. Chemical waves propagate inside the holes as well as on the VO x covered parts of the surface. The results demonstrate for the first time that also in supported oxidic overlayers selforganization processes can take place leading to chemical waves and a large scale redistribution of the oxide., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemPhysChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The growth of graphene on Ni(110) is studied with low energy electron microscopy, low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and associated methods at several sulfur coverages obtained by surface segregation and compared with growth on the clean surface. On the clean surface graphene grows nearly epitaxial with small azimuthal alignment fluctuations. The segregated S reduces the interaction between graphene and Ni, which results in the formation of several azimuthal orientations. The reduced film-substrate interaction is evident in the details of the LEED pattern, in the work function change and the energy dependence of the specular reflected intensity. This study clarifies the differences between earlier studies of graphene growth on Ni(110) and suggests using impurity surface segregation as means for decoupling of graphene from the substrate. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the growth of tin dioxide (SnO2) on Si (001) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique. The growth mechanism was investigated in-situ by low energy electron microscopy (LEEM). The chemical states and composition of the grown layers were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology was also studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The result shows the morphology of grown layers as a particle of about 80 nm in diameter distributed on the substrate like the Volmer-Werber island growth mode. The result shows the possibility to create the island of tin oxide structures on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CeB6(001) single crystal used as a cathode in a low‐emittance electron gun and operated at the free‐electron laser facility SACLA was investigated using cathode lens electron microscopy combined with X‐ray spectroscopy at SPring‐8 synchrotron radiation facility. Multilateral analysis using thermionic emission electron microscopy, low‐energy electron microscopy, ultraviolet and X‐ray photoemission electron microscopy and hard X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy revealed that the thermionic electrons are emitted strongly and evenly from the CeB6 surface after pre‐activation treatment (annealing at 1500°C for >1 h) and that the thermionic emission intensity as well as elemental composition vary between the central area and the edge of the old CeB6 surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from single-layer to bilayer growth of molybdenum disulfide on the Au(111) surface is investigated by in situ low-energy electron and photoemission microscopy. By mapping the film morphology with nanometer resolution, we show that a MoS2 bilayer forms at the boundaries of single-layer single-domain MoS2 islands and next to merging islands whereas bilayer nucleation at the island centers is found to be suppressed, which may be related to the usage of dimethyl disulfide as sulfur precursor in the growth process. This approach, which may open up the possibility of growing continuous films over large areas while delaying bilayer formation, is likely transferable to other transition metal dichalcogenide model systems.

For the realization of graphene-based electronic and optic devices, the functionalization of this material becomes essential. Graphene doping through intercalation and tuning the chemical potential is one among other promising concepts. Intercalation of germanium is particularly interesting in view of its ambipolar doping behavior. Both p- and n-type doped graphene and their doping levels were identified by x-ray photoelectron emission microscopy (XPEEM), low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM), and angle-resolved photoemission microspectroscopy (μ-ARPES). The absolute amount of intercalated Ge was determined to be roughly 1 ML and 2 MLs for n- and p-phases, respectively. For the samples in the present study, we utilized the transition from 2 ML to 1 ML Ge via a mix phase after a high temperature annealing. Concrete implementation of mutual distribution of p- and n-phases depends on the temperature, mobility of Ge atoms in the second intercalated layer, and cooling/heating protocol, and can be nicely followed live in low-energy electron microscope (LEEM) during heating/cooling below 500°C. The process has a significant temperature hysteresis, which is an indication of the first-order phase transition. The enhanced Ge diffusion in the second layer can be suitable for tailoring ultrashort junction lengths so that pseudo-spin mismatch can be used in future electronic concepts. Another application can utilize the negative relative refractive index at the p–n boundary and can find possible applications in focusing electron optics.

The activity, selectivity, and lifetime of nanocatalysts critically depend on parameters such as their morphology, support, chemical composition, and oxidation state. Thus, correlating these parameters with their final catalytic properties is essential. However, heterogeneity across nanoparticles (NPs) is generally expected. Moreover, their nature can also change during catalytic reactions. Therefore, investigating these catalysts in situ at the single-particle level provides insights into how these tunable parameters affect their efficiency. To unravel this question, we applied spectro-microscopy to investigate the thermal reduction of SiO 2 -supported copper oxide NPs in ultrahigh vacuum. Copper was selected since its oxidation state and morphological transformations strongly impact the product selectivity of many catalytic reactions. Here, the evolution of the NPs' chemical state was monitored in situ during annealing and correlated with their morphology in situ . A reaction front was observed during the reduction of CuO to Cu 2 O. From the temperature dependence of this front, the activation energy was extracted. Two parameters were found to strongly influence the NP reduction: the initial nanoparticle size and the chemical state of the SiO 2. substrate. The CuO x reduction was found to be completed first on smaller NPs and was also favored over partially reduced SiO x regions that resulted from X-ray beam irradiation. This methodology with single-particle level spectro-microscopy resolution provides a way of isolating the influence of diverse morphologic, electronic, and chemical influences on a chemical reaction. The knowledge gained is crucial for the future design of more complex multimetallic catalytic systems.

Surface acoustic waves (SAW) allow to manipulate surfaces with potential applications in catalysis, sensor and nanotechnology. SAWs were shown to cause a strong increase in catalytic activity and selectivity in many oxidation and decomposition reactions on metallic and oxidic catalysts. However, the promotion mechanism has not been unambiguously identified. Using stroboscopic X‐ray photoelectron spectro‐microscopy, we were able to evidence a sub‐nanosecond work function change during propagation of 500 MHz SAWs on a 9 nm thick platinum film. We quantify the work function change to 455 μeV. Such a small variation rules out that electronic effects due to elastic deformation (strain) play a major role in the SAW‐induced promotion of catalysis. In a second set of experiments, SAW‐induced intermixing of a five monolayers thick Rh film on top of polycrystalline platinum was demonstrated to be due to enhanced thermal diffusion caused by an increase of the surface temperature by about 75 K when SAWs were excited. Reversible surface structural changes are suggested to be a major cause for catalytic promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akustische Oberflächenwellen (engl. Surface Acoustic Waves, SAWs) ermöglichen die Manipulation von Oberflächen mit potenziellen Anwendungen in der Katalyse, der Sensorik und der Nanotechnologie. Es wurde gezeigt, dass SAWs bei vielen Oxidations‐ und Zersetzungsreaktionen an metallischen und oxidischen Katalysatoren deren Aktivität und Selektivität erhöhen. Der Reaktionsmechanismus konnte jedoch bis heute nicht eindeutig geklärt werden. Mit Hilfe der stroboskopischen Röntgen‐Photoelektronenspektroskopie konnten wir eine Änderung der Austrittsarbeit im Sub‐Nanosekundenbereich während der Ausbreitung von 500 MHz‐SAW auf einer 9 nm dicken Platinschicht nachweisen. Wir bestimmen die Austrittsarbeitsänderung auf 455 μeV. Eine so geringe Variation schließt aus, dass elektronische Effekte durch elastische Verformung (Dehnung) eine große Rolle bei der SAW‐induzierten Promotion von katalytischen Reaktionen spielen. Ausserdem wurde gezeigt, dass die SAW‐induzierte Vermischung einer fünf Monolagen dicken Rh‐Schicht mit dem polykristallinen Platinsubstrat auf eine erhöhte thermische Diffusion zurückzuführen ist, die durch eine Erwärmung der Oberfläche um etwa 75 K bei der Anregung von SAW verursacht wird. Wir schlagen reversible strukturelle Veränderungen der Oberfläche als eine Hauptursache für die katalytische Promotion durch SAW vor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intercalation mechanism of Au at the graphene-Ru (0001) interface is studied at elevated temperature using spectromicroscopy with high lateral resolution. Above 970 K, Au is shown not to stick to graphene-covered regions as expected from the weak Au-graphene binding, which is crucial to single out the graphene edges as the only intercalation channel. The modified Stranski-Krastanov Au growth on Ru (0001) with two atomic wetting layers followed by 3D islands is observed on the Ru (0001) surface partially-covered with micron sized graphene flakes. The Au layers nucleate in and out of the graphene islands following a precise order with a direct correlation to the Au adsorption energy expected in the various configurations. In particular, the adsorption energy is found to decrease going from monolayer Au on Ru (0001) to monolayer Au intercalated at the graphene-Ru interface, and further to Au bilayer on Ru (0001). Moreover, the chemical maps at different stages during Au growth point to a pronounced kinetic barrier at the graphene edges preventing intercalation before the Au monolayer is complete outside the graphene-covered regions. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of model metal carbide surfaces is essential for surface catalysis studies over carbide‐based catalysts. Here, well‐controlled growth of tungsten carbide (WCx) layers on W(110) including carbon‐rich R(15×3)‐C/W(110) and carbon‐poor R(15×12)‐C/W(110) structures has been clearly demonstrated using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a clean W(110) surface or carbon segregation from the bulk. Low‐energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and micro‐region LEED (μ‐LEED) characterizations confirm that the R(15×12) structure forms first and then transforms to the R(15×3) structure by incorporating more carbon atoms in the CVD or surface segregation processes. Oxidation of the WCx/W(110) surfaces in O2 atmosphere removes surface carbon atoms, driving the structural transformation from R(15×3) to R(15×12) first and then to a two‐dimensional oxide surface. Our work provides a clear guide for well‐controlled growth of model WCx catalysts and the structural transformation between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is focused on understanding the dynamics of the processes which occur at the interface between ceria and platinum during redox processes, by investigating an inverse catalytic model system made of ceria epitaxial islands and ultrathin films supported on Pt(111). The evolution of the morphology, structure and electronic properties is analyzed in real-time during reduction and oxidation, using low-energy electron microscopy and spatially resolved low-energy electron diffraction. The reduction is induced using different methods, namely thermal treatments in ultra-high vacuum and in H2 as well as deposition of Ce on the oxide surface, while re-oxidation is obtained by exposure to oxygen at elevated temperature. The use of two different epitaxial systems, continuous films and nanostructures, allows determining the influence of platinum proximity on the stabilization of the specific phases observed. The factors that limit the reversibility of the observed modifications with the different oxidation treatments are also discussed. The obtained results highlight important aspects of the cerium oxide/Pt interaction that are relevant for a complete understanding of the behavior of Pt/CeO2 catalysts.

In this study ER90S-B9 welding wire was deposited on 2.25 Cr-1 Mo steel for the joining of dissimilar materials by the gas tungsten arc welding technique. Simulated post weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 700oC was performed under high vacuum in the experimental station BL 3.2 Ub of the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization) , Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand for low-energy electron microscopy. Microstructural changes at the weld metal side adjacent to the weld interface were observed. There were black triangular flakes present in the microstructure after the PWHT temperature was reached. They grew in epitaxial alignment with the solidification direction of the weld metal. X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also implemented on the flakes which could possibly be boron nitride (BN) . These flakes were not stable as they decomposed during growth leaving the required elements for carbide precipitation. During the decomposition, 3 regions were observed as black (BN), gray, and white contrasts. Beside boron, Cr and Fe were also indicated in the black and gray regions with the XPS technique. After some decomposition, Cr- rich carbide formed and the hard zone became established. A rough mechanism was proposed as the carbide at the heat affected zone dissolved and carbon migrated to the weld metal by the formation of a BN front followed by the decomposition of the BN which provided elements for carbide precipitation and formation of the hard zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper provides a general strategy for surface phase discrimination by dark-field imaging in low energy electron microscopy. • Image contrast is maximised by selecting particular diffraction spots, at optimal energies. • The method can be automated to produce composite phase maps in real space and study the dynamics of complex phase transformations in real-time. • This is illustrated by mapping surface phases in the vicinity of liquid Ga droplets on the technologically important GaAs (001) surface. We propose a general strategy for surface phase discrimination by dark-field imaging using low energy electrons, which maximizes contrast using diffraction spots, at selected optimal energies. The method can be automated to produce composite phase maps in real space and study the dynamics of complex phase transformations in real-time. To illustrate the capabilities of the technique, surface phases are mapped in the vicinity of liquid Ga droplets on the technologically important GaAs (001) surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A near ambient pressure photoemission electron microscope (NAP-PEEM) has been successfully developed; • Concepts of two-stage accelerating electric field and three-stage differential pumping have been adopted in combination with construction of a NAP cell; • High resolution PEEM imaging can be performed in near ambient pressure gases (> 1 mbar) and at varied temperatures; • Near ambient pressure low energy electron microscopy (NAP-LEEM) is feasible using the same electron lens system combined with an electron gun; Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is a powerful surface technique for dynamic imaging of surface processes while PEEM studies have been performed under ultrahigh vacuum or high vacuum conditions. Here we report on a near ambient pressure PEEM (NAP-PEEM) instrument, which enables high resolution PEEM imaging in near ambient pressure (> 1 mbar) gases over a wide temperature range (150 – 1200 K). Installed with an electron gun near ambient pressure low energy electron microscopy (NAP-LEEM) can be achieved as well. The success of this new NAP-PEEM/LEEM instrument relies on the following key design concepts. First, a two-stage accelerating electric field consisting of a low field region between sample and intermediate electrode ("nozzle") and a high field between nozzle and objective lens. Second, a three-stage differential pumping system allowing a near ambient pressure atmosphere at the sample surface while ultrahigh vacuum maintained in the imaging lens systems. Third, a unique NAP cell with gas inlet/outlet, light illumination, sample cooling/heating, and precise sample positioning. The new technique will have important applications in surface catalysis, thin film growth, and energy conversion devices under nearly realistic working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-energy electron microscopy images are distorted at work function discontinuities. • Ray-tracing simulations reveal the size of those work-function-induced artifacts. • They cause standard methods to greatly overestimate work function differences. • Combining simulations with experimental data yields a more robust measure. For many applications, it is important to measure the local work function of a surface with high lateral resolution. Low-energy electron microscopy is regularly employed to this end since it is, in principle, very well suited as it combines high-resolution imaging with high sensitivity to local electrostatic potentials. For surfaces with areas of different work function, however, lateral electrostatic fields inevitably associated with work function discontinuities deflect the low-energy electrons and thereby cause artifacts near these discontinuities. We use ray-tracing simulations to show that these artifacts extend over hundreds of nanometers and cause an overestimation of the true work function difference near the discontinuity by a factor of 1.6 if the standard image analysis methods are used. We demonstrate on a mixed-terminated strontium titanate surface that comparing LEEM data with detailed ray-tracing simulations leads to much a more robust estimate of the work function difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The design of a cryogenic low energy electron microscope is described. • Sample temperatures as low as 15 K have been reached. • Electron beam damage to pentacene is reduced by a factor of 5.4 from 300 K to 52 K. • The IV-spectra of few-layer pentacene change upon cooling. We describe a cryogenic sample chamber for low energy electron microscopy (LEEM), and present first experimental results. Modifications to our IBM/SPECS aberration-corrected LEEM instrument are presented first. These include incorporation of mechanisms for cooling the sample and its surroundings, and reduction of various sources of heat load. Using both liquid nitrogen and liquid helium, we have reached sample temperatures down to about 15 K. We also present first results for low-temperature LEEM, obtained on a three-monolayer pentacene film. Specifically, we observe a reduction of the electron beam irradiation damage cross-section at 15 eV by more than a factor of five upon cooling from 300 K down to 52 K. We also observe changes in the LEEM-IV spectra of the sample upon cooling, and discuss possible causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of LEEM and eV-TEM spectra of 1-4 layer freestanding graphene. • Elastic and inelastic Mean Free Path from fitting one improved model. • Mono- and multilayer inelastic MFP differs, but unrelated to plasmon. • Wave transmissivity coefficients fitted match for 2–4 layers. The LEEM-IV spectra of few-layer graphene show characteristic minima at specific energies, which depend on the number of graphene layers. For the same samples, low-energy TEM (eV-TEM) spectra exhibit transmission maxima at energies corresponding to those of the reflection minima in LEEM. Both features can be understood from interferences of the electron wave function in a purely elastic model. Inelastic scattering processes in turn lead to a finite, energy-dependent inelastic Mean Free Path (MFP) and a lower finesse of the interference features. Here we develop a model that introduces both an elastic and inelastic scattering parameter on the wave-function level, thus reconciling the models considered previously. Fitting to published data, we extract the elastic and inelastic MFP self-consistently and compare these to recent reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a spatially resolved X-ray magnetic linear dichroism study of high quality micron-sized mixed nickel-cobalt oxide (NCO) crystals. Ni x Co 1 − x O was prepared in-situ by high-temperature oxygen-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on a Ru(0001) single crystal substrate. To check the effect of incorporating Ni into the cobalt oxide films, three different compositions were prepared. The element-specific XMLD measurements reveal strong antiferromagnetic contrast at room temperature and magnetic domains up to one micron in size, reflecting the high structural quality of the NCO islands. By means of vectorial magnetometry, the antiferromagnetic spin axis orientation of the domains was determined with nanometer spatial resolution, and found to depend on the stoichiometry of the prepared crystals. • Antiferromagnetic domains in thin films on metallic substrate. • Theoretical model for the calculation of the absorption intensity for an arbitrary spin direction. • Growth of antiferromagnetic structures by high-temperature MBE. • The spin axis arrangement driven by stoichiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using molecular beam epitaxy, a new structural phase of a single atom thick antimony layer has been synthesized on the W(110) surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy measurements reveal an atomically resolved structure with a perfectly flat surface and unusually large unit cell. The structure forms a well-ordered continuous film with a lateral size in the range of several millimeters, as revealed by low energy electron microscopy and diffraction experiments. The results of density functional theory calculations confirm the formation of a new phase of single-atom-thick antimony film without the buckling characteristic for the known phases of antimonene. The presented results demonstrate a substrate-tuned approach in the preparation of new structural phases of 2D materials.

The quantification of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in LiNbO3 piezoelectric crystals by stroboscopic X‐ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM), with a temporal smearing below 80 ps and a spatial resolution below 100 nm, is reported. The contrast mechanism is the varying piezoelectric surface potential associated with the SAW phase. Thus, kinetic energy spectra of photoemitted secondary electrons measure directly the SAW electrical amplitude and allow for the quantification of the associated strain. The stroboscopic imaging combined with a deliberate detuning allows resolving and quantifying the respective standing and propagating components of SAWs from a superposition of waves. Furthermore, standing‐wave components can also be imaged by low‐energy electron microscopy (LEEM). Our method opens the door to studies that quantitatively correlate SAWs excitation with a variety of sample electronic, magnetic and chemical properties. Stroboscopic XPEEM imaging resolves the phase of surface acoustic waves in LiNbO3 with contrast by piezoelectric surface potential shift. Standing and propagating components of surface acoustic waves are measured and can be separated by a detuning method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of individual two-dimensional materials into heterostructures is a crucial step which enables development of new and technologically interesting functional systems of reduced dimensionality. Here, well-defined lateral heterostructures of hexagonal boron nitride and graphene are synthesized on Ir(1 1 1) by performing sequential chemical vapor deposition from borazine and ethylene in ultra-high vacuum. Low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (μ-LEED) show that the heterostructures do not consist only of hexagonal boron nitride (an insulator) and graphene (a conductor), but that also a 2D alloy made up of B, C, and N atoms (a semiconductor) is formed. Composition and spatial extension of the alloy can be tuned by controlling the parameters of the synthesis. A new method for in situ fabrication of micro and nanostructures based on decomposition of hexagonal boron nitride is experimentally demonstrated and modeled analytically, which establishes a new route for production of BCN and graphene elements of various shapes. In this way, atomically-thin conducting and semiconducting components can be fabricated, serving as a basis for manufacturing more complex devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide films epitaxially grown on close-packed metal single crystal substrates exhibit nearly-perfect structural order, high catalytic activity (FeO) and room-temperature magnetism (Fe3O4). However, the morphology of the films, especially in the ultrathin regime, can be significantly influenced by the crystalline structure of the used support. This work reports an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low energy electron/synchrotron light-based X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (LEEM/XPEEM) and electron diffraction (μLEED) study of the growth of FeO and Fe3O4 on two closed-packed metal single crystal surfaces: Pt(111) and Ru(0001). The results reveal the influence of the mutual orientation of adjacent substrate terraces on the morphology of iron oxide films epitaxially grown on top of them. On fcc Pt(111), which has the same mutual orientation of adjacent monoatomic terraces, FeO(111) grows with the same in-plane orientation on all substrate terraces. For Fe3O4(111), one or two orientations are observed depending on the growth conditions. On hcp Ru(0001), the adjacent terraces of which are 'rotated' by 180° with respect to each other, the in-plane orientation of initial FeO(111) and Fe3O4(111) crystallites is determined by the orientation of the substrate terrace on which they nucleated. The adaptation of three-fold symmetric iron oxides to three-fold symmetric substrate terraces leads to natural structuring of iron oxide films, i.e., the formation of patch-like magnetite layers on Pt(111) and stripe-like FeO and Fe3O4 structures on Ru(0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mit niederenergetischer Elektronenmikroskopie und lokaler Fotoelektronenspektroskopie wurde die Bildung von Wasser aus absorbierten O und H2 auf einer Ru(0001)‐Oberfläche untersucht, die mit einer glasartigen SiO2‐Bilage (BL) bedeckt war, und mit der gleichen Reaktion auf der reinen Ru(0001)‐Oberfläche verglichen. In beiden Fällen tritt eine fortschreitende Reaktionsfront auf. Der Grund hierfür kann mit der Anforderung zusammenhängen, dass die O‐Adatome Platz freigeben müssen, damit weiterer H2 dissoziativ adsorbiert. Wir finden scheinbare Aktivierungsenergien ( E a a p p ) für die Frontbewegung von 0.59 eV ohne Deckschicht und 0.27 eV mit Deckschicht. Wir schlagen vor, dass bei der SiO2‐BL‐bedeckten Ru(0001)‐Oberfläche die geringere Aktivierungsenergie aber höhere Reaktionstemperatur durch eine Änderung des geschwindigkeitsbestimmenden Schritts verursacht wird. Weitere mögliche Auswirkungen der Deckschicht werden diskutiert. Unsere Resultate ergeben die ersten Werte für E a a p p im eingegrenzten Raum (“confinement”). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using low‐energy electron microscopy and local photoelectron spectroscopy, water formation from adsorbed O and H2 on a Ru(0001) surface covered with a vitreous SiO2 bilayer (BL) was investigated and compared to the same reaction on bare Ru(0001). In both cases the reaction is characterized by moving reaction fronts. The reason for this might be related to the requirement of site release by O adatoms for further H2‐dissociative adsorption. Apparent activation energies ( E a a p p ) are found for the front motion of 0.59 eV without cover and 0.27 eV under cover. We suggest that the smaller activation energy but higher reaction temperature for the reaction on the SiO2 BL covered Ru(0001) surface is due to a change of the rate‐determining step. Other possible effects of the cover are discussed. Our results give the first values for E a a p p in confined space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low energy electron emission microscopy (LEEM) was used to measure local transition energy that was directly correlated to electron work function (EWF) of multiphase manganese-aluminum bronze alloys. We developed color mapping to distinguish the EWF of multiple phases and clarified that the EWF were in the following order: EWF of α > EWF of β > EWF of κ (EWF α  > EWF β  > EWF κ ). De-alloying corrosion took place due to the micro-galvanic cell at grain boundaries before it propagated into the β phase that had lower EWF than the α phase. The α phase was a stable phase because it contained high Cu while the β phase contained high Al and Mn. In addition, XRD analysis showed that the texture coefficient of the β phase revealed that almost all of the grains had (2 2 0) orientation, the lowest EWF compared to (1 1 1) and (2 0 0). Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy illustrated that there were fine Cu 3 Mn 2 Al precipitates in the Cu 2 MnAl matrix of the β phase. These precipitates formed micro-galvanic cells which played an important role in accelerating de-alloying corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and reactive dewetting of ultrathin films of iron oxides supported on Re(0001) surfaces have been imaged in situ in real time. Initial growth forms a nonmagnetic stable FeO (wüstite like) layer in a commensurate network upon which high aspect ratio nanowires of several microns in length but less than 40 nm in width can be fabricated. The nanowires are closely aligned with the substrate crystallography and imaging by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism shows that each contain a single magnetic domain. The driving force for dewetting appears to be the minimization of strain energy of the Fe3O4 crystallites and follows the Tersoff and Tromp model in which strain is minimized at constant height by extending in one epitaxially matched direction. Such wires are promising in spintronic applications and we predict that the growth will also occur on other hexagonal substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal boron nitride ( h -BN) was grown by borazine vapour deposition on single crystalline Cu (110) substrates at 740 °C. The growth was investigated in situ using a Low-Energy Electron Microscope (LEEM). Substrates were prepared ex situ by mechanical and electrochemical methods and once in the LEEM system, by annealing in a H 2 atmosphere resulting in a reconstructed surface. Exposure to borazine vapour resulted in the nucleation of well-aligned trigonal h -BN islands, which merged to ribbons along surface steps, and into larger, more irregularly shaped features. A coverage of up to 60% was achieved with an exposure of 3900 L. A diffraction ring in the low energy electron diffraction pattern was observed with a preferential alignment along the Cu  〈 111 〉  directions of the underlying substrate. Low-energy electron reflectivity scans, as well as x-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies, confirmed the presence of a partial monolayer of h -BN on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stabilization of unusual hexagonal A-Sm 2 O 3 phase on Ru(0001) for thin films. • Critical role of Sm 2 O 3 /substrate interaction in the formation of A-Sm 2 O 3. • XAS and I(V) LEEM allow distinguishing between different Sm 2 O 3 structural phases. • Phase transition from metastable A-Sm 2 O 3 to C-Sm 2 O 3 upon extended thermal treatment. We have used low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM), micro-illumination low-energy electron diffraction (µLEED) supported by ab initio calculations, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate in-situ and in real-time the structural properties of Sm 2 O 3 deposits grown on Ru(0001), a rare-earth metal oxide model catalyst. Our results show that samarium oxide grows in a hexagonal A-Sm 2 O 3 phase on Ru(0001), exhibiting a (0001) oriented-top facet and (113) side facets. Upon annealing, a structural transition from the hexagonal to cubic phase occurs, in which the Sm cations exhibit the +3 oxidation state. The unexpected initial growth in the A-Sm 2 O 3 hexagonal phase and its gradual transition to a mixture with cubic C-Sm 2 O 3 showcases the complexity of the system and the critical role of the substrate in the stabilization of the hexagonal phase, which was previously reported only at high pressures and temperatures for bulk samaria. Besides, these results highlight the potential interactions that Sm could have with other catalytic compounds with respect to the here gathered insights on the preparation conditions and the specific compounds with which it interacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Defect mediated growth of MoSe 2 on selenium-intercalated graphene. • Observation of macroscopic sliding of islands over several nanometers. • Identification of the ripening process of MoSe 2 /graphene by attachment of islands. • Charge transfer within heterostructure can be controlled via graphene intercalation. In the present work we investigate the growth of monolayer MoSe 2 on selenium-intercalated graphene on Ru(0001), a model layered heterostructure combining a transition metal dichalcogenide with graphene, using low energy electron microscopy and micro-diffraction. Real-time observation of MoSe 2 on graphene growth reveals the island nucleation dynamics at the nanoscale. Upon annealing, larger islands are formed by sliding and attachment of multiple nanometer-sized MoSe 2 flakes. Local micro-spot angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy reveals the electronic structure of the heterostructure, indicating that no charge transfer occurs within adjacent layers. The observed behavior is attributed to intercalation of Se at the graphene/Ru(0001) interface. The unperturbed nature of the proposed heterostructure therefore renders it as a model system for investigations of graphene supported TMD nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a lot of systems, charge transport is governed by local features rather than being a global property as suggested by extracting a single resistance value. Consequently, techniques that resolve local structure in the electronic potential are crucial for a detailed understanding of electronic transport in realistic devices. Recently, we have introduced a new potentiometry method based on low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) that utilizes characteristic features in the reflectivity spectra of layered materials [1]. Performing potentiometry experiments in LEEM has the advantage of being fast, offering a large field of view and the option to zoom in and out easily, and of being non-invasive compared to scanning-probe methods. However, not all materials show clear features in their reflectivity spectra. Here we, therefore, focus on a different version of low-energy electron potentiometry (LEEP) that uses the mirror mode transition, i.e. the drop in electron reflectivity around zero electron landing energy when they start to interact with the sample rather than being reflected in front of it. This transition is universal and sensitive to the local electrostatic surface potential (either workfunction or applied potential). It can consequently be used to perform LEEP experiments on a broader range of material compared to the method described in Ref [1] . We provide a detailed description of the experimental setup and demonstrate LEEP on workfunction-related intrinsic potential variations on the Si(111) surface and for a metal-semiconductor-metal junction with external bias applied. In the latter, we visualize the Schottky effect at the metal-semiconductor interface. Finally, we compare how robust the two LEEP techniques discussed above are against image distortions due to sample inhomogeneities or contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Ir on Ge(111) as a function of temperature between 23   °C and 820   °C is characterized with low energy electron microscopy (LEEM), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Deposition onto a substrate at 350   °C revealed a novel growth mode consisting of multilayer Ir islands with (√3 × √3)R30° (abbreviated as √3) structure interconnected by “bridges” of single-layer Ir several atoms wide. For deposition onto substrates above 500   °C, the √3 Ir phase grows with dendritic morphology, and substrate step bunches act as barriers to √3 Ir growth. LEEM images showed Stranski–Krastanov growth for 650–820   °C: after the √3 phase covers the surface, corresponding to 2 monolayers (ML) Ir coverage, multilayer hexagonal-shaped Ir islands form, surrounded by regions of IrGe alloy. Hexagonal-shaped Ir islands also formed upon heating 1.2 ML of √3 Ir beyond 830   °C, which resulted in the elimination of √3 structure from the surface. The transformation from √3 to (1 × 1) structure upon heating to 830   °C was an irreversible surface phase transition. Annealing > 2.0 ML of Ir in the √3 phase above the 830   °C disorder temperature, followed by cooling, produced a (3 × 1) structure. Subsequent heating and cooling through 830   °C give evidence for a reversible (3 × 1) to (1 × 1) phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured Silicon Carbide was proposed to be an ideal template for the production of arrays of edge specific graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), which could be used as a base material for graphene transistors. We prepared periodic arrays of nanoscaled stripe-mesas on SiC surfaces using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. Subsequent epitaxial graphene growth by annealing is differentiated between the basal-plane mesas and the faceting stripe walls as monitored by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Microscopic low energy electron diffraction (μ-LEED) revealed that the graphene ribbons on the facetted mesa side walls grow in epitaxial relation to the basal-plane graphene with an armchair orientation at the facet edges. The π-band system of the ribbons exhibits linear bands with a Dirac like shape corresponding to monolayer graphene as identified by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) single-layer islands of high crystalline quality were grown on Ir(111) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and have been studied with low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM). Two types of hBN islands have been observed that structurally differ in their shape and orientation with respect to iridium, where the former greatly depends on the iridium step morphology. Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and IV-LEEM spectroscopy revealed that the two island types also exhibit different work functions and bindings to iridium, which provides an explanation for differences in their shape and growth modes. In addition, various temperatures were used for the CVD synthesis of hBN, and it was found that at temperatures higher than ≈950 °C boron atoms, originating either from decomposed borazine molecules or disintegrated hBN islands, can form additional compact reconstructed regions. The presented results are important for advancement in synthesis of high-quality hBN and other boron-based layered materials, and could therefore expedite their technological implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a lot of systems, charge transport is governed by local features rather than being a global property as suggested by extracting a single resistance value. Consequently, techniques that resolve local structure in the electronic potential are crucial for a detailed understanding of electronic transport in realistic devices. Recently, we have introduced a new potentiometry method based on low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) that utilizes characteristic features in the reflectivity spectra of layered materials [1]. Performing potentiometry experiments in LEEM has the advantage of being fast, offering a large field of view and the option to zoom in and out easily, and of being non-invasive compared to scanning-probe methods. However, not all materials show clear features in their reflectivity spectra. Here we, therefore, focus on a different version of low-energy electron potentiometry (LEEP) that uses the mirror mode transition, i.e. the drop in electron reflectivity around zero electron landing energy when they start to interact with the sample rather than being reflected in front of it. This transition is universal and sensitive to the local electrostatic surface potential (either workfunction or applied potential). It can consequently be used to perform LEEP experiments on a broader range of material compared to the method described in Ref [1] . We provide a detailed description of the experimental setup and demonstrate LEEP on workfunction-related intrinsic potential variations on the Si(111) surface and for a metal-semiconductor-metal junction with external bias applied. In the latter, we visualize the Schottky effect at the metal-semiconductor interface. Finally, we compare how robust the two LEEP techniques discussed above are against image distortions due to sample inhomogeneities or contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysis is a hot topic in research with the focus on finding catalysts that show better activity or selectivity on processes on technological or industrial interest. The use of model systems of applicable materials has proven to be a successful approach in the last decades to obtain information on the fundamental properties of these materials, leading eventually to a better understanding how real catalysts work. This knowledge is extremely important in the sense that it allows an optimization of the catalyst composition, thus leading to a rational design of new materials. For these fundamental studies, a variety of probing techniques such as X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, scanning tunnel microscopy, and temperature programmed desorption have been applied. In this article, we discuss how low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) can contribute to the fundamental understanding of relevant surface processes taking place on model catalysts. Also, the capability of these techniques on addressing open questions in catalysis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]