Properly interpreting scanning tunneling microscopy images: the Cu( [formula omitted])-c(2×2)N surface revisited

Recent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoelectron diffraction studies of the Cu(1 0 0)-c(2×2)N system have led to the proposal of a “new type of adsorbate-induced surface reconstruction” involving the movement of Cu atoms perpendicular to the surface. Claims were made that images from pri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surface science 2003, Vol.522 (1), p.47-54
Main Authors: Wofford, T.E, York, S.M, Leibsle, F.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemisorption
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Copper
Exact sciences and technology
Low index single crystal surfaces
Nitrogen atom
Physics
Scanning tunneling microscopy
Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces
Surface relaxation and reconstruction
Surface structure and topography
Surfaces and interfaces
thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
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Summary:Recent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoelectron diffraction studies of the Cu(1 0 0)-c(2×2)N system have led to the proposal of a “new type of adsorbate-induced surface reconstruction” involving the movement of Cu atoms perpendicular to the surface. Claims were made that images from prior STM studies were misinterpreted. We present STM images that clearly contradict these claims. We discuss the role of tip structure in the imaging process and demonstrate how tips with asymmetric apexes can result in STM images that can easily be misinterpreted.
ISSN:0039-6028
1879-2758
DOI:10.1016/S0039-6028(02)02249-5