Structure of Fe layers grown on InAs(100)

We have studied the growth of Fe thin layers on In-terminated InAs(100) sur faces by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscop y (AES) and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Islanding is observed at the early stages of Fe deposition, then the growing mechanis m is layer-by-layer. In thicker films, iron atoms are arranged in an unstra ined bcc structure with a lattice constant close to that of hulk alpha-Fe. Arsenic diffuses through the Fe layer within a typical diffusion length of around 7 Angstrom. In turn, indium atoms remain at the interface. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.