METAL ATOMIC CHAINS ON THE SI(100) SURFACE

The selection of a single-domain Si(100)2x1 surface enables us to make an indium atomic chain over 70 nm in length. Such self-assembled chai ns can be extended by atomic manipulation using a scanning tunneling m icroscope tip, as briefly demonstrated in this work on In/Si(100). The advantage of a single-domain Si(100) surface over a double-domain one for the growth of long chains is rationalized, and the mechanism behi nd the atomic manipulation is noted.