ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY OF AU HG ALLOY FORMATION ON THIN AU FILMS/

Atomic force microscopy was applied to the study of thin Au films depo sited under ultra-high vacuum conditions on a glass support maintained at 78 K. A variety of thin gold film structures were thus determined and characterized ranging from (i) nanometric isolated gold islands, ( ii) nanometric gold structures, to (iii) continuous gold films, all de pending on the amount of Au deposited. The influence of the amalgamati on process on the thin Au films topography was studied. The fundamenta l importance of surface defects on the rate of amalgamation was clearl y seen. The movement of small Au islands on glass obtained as the resu lt of thermal decomposition of Au/Hg alloys was observed.