Burrowing self-organized cobalt clusters into a gold substrate

The mechanism of cobalt-cluster incorporation into a Au(lll) substrate is f ollowed by variable temperature STM, Auger spectroscopy, and in situ magnet o-optic Kerr (MOKE) measurements. Upon thermal activation, cobalt clusters sink into the substrate by simultaneously expelling gold atoms which, in tu rn, contribute by embedding the remaining cobalt clusters. Although importa nt mass transport occurs during this operation, MOKE indicates that the clu sters remain globally undisturbed, until finally, irreversible cluster frag mentation and dissolution occur above 600 K.