FORMATION OF NANOSTRUCTURES ON AN ALPHA-C-H FILM IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ADSORBATE

Processes occurring on the surface of an alpha-C:H film in the electri c field of a STM tip in the presence of trichloroethylene adsorbate ar e described. It is found experimentally that nanogrowths form in the t unnel gap as a result of the action of positive electric field pulses on the tip. The formation process exhibits a threshold and it occurs i n a narrow range of voltages after the threshold voltage is reached, I t is shown on the basis of a quantum-chemical calculation that the gro wths consist of the final product of a graft polymerization reaction o f the adsorbate stimulated by the electric field of the tip. (C) 1995 American institute of Physics.