One-dimensional metal chains on Pt vicinal surfaces

High-density arrays (5 x 10(6) cm(-1)) of parallel nanowires have been grow n using the vicinal Pt(997) surface as a template. Single monatomic rows of Ag and Cu can be deposited with subrow precision. We demonstrate real-time monitoring and characterization of the growth of the atomic chains as a fu nction of temperature by thermal energy helium atom scattering. Scanning tu nneling microscopy provides further insight into the structure of the metal rows. Growth mode and alloying with the Pt substrate are discussed as a fu nction of temperature. Our results provide the basis for the creation of su rfaces with a uniform distribution of wires having the same average width f or the investigation of the electronic, magnetic, and chemical properties o f one-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional metal structures.