Formation of nanowires and their interaction with atomic steps during growth of Bi on Ni(111)

Using low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and selective area low-energy electron diffraction, we have characterized both the (7×7) wetting layer and the BiNi9 [2 0 −2 5] nanowires that form during the growth of Bi on Ni(111). The 60 ± 20 nm wide nanowires have lengths up to 10 μm and a height of 4–6 atomic layers. After the formation of the wetting layer and nanowires, quantum size effect driven growth ensues, accompanied by the gradual disappearance of the nanowires and resulting meandering of the substrate steps. The displacements of substrate steps, directly imaged with LEEM, can be traced back to dealloying.