Atomic structure of carbon-like nanopatches formed on atomic step edges ofa Pd surface

STM images with atomic resolution of carbon-like nanopatches have been obta ined on a Pd (100) film, with terraces displaying surface reconstruction. T he linkage between the atomic rows of a nanopatch and of palladium terraces is surprisingly perfect. Large carbon interatomic distances and unusual I( Z) curves are interpreted by the "softness" of the nanopatch. As a result o f tip action, the upper layer of the nanopatch has been partly removed, lea ving exposed the atomic structure of a carbon monolayer imbedded into the s urface of the palladium film.