Abstract
Using low energy electron microscopy, we have investigated the (2×1)-(1×1) phase transition occurring above 925 K on Ge(001). Dimer breakup has been identified as the physical origin of this transition. A quantitative description of the dimer concentration during the transition involves configuration entropy of random monomers within the dimer matrix. The dimer formation energy amounts to 1.2±0.3 eV. Dimer breakup promotes reversible surface disorder by step proliferation and irreversible surface roughening above 1130 K.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 116102-1-116102-4 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical review letters |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- IR-61189
- METIS-214533