Interaction of adsorbates on strained metallic layers

To relieve strain, metal surfaces under tensile or compressive stress often develop periodic two-dimensional patterns of dislocations. Recently, we ha ve seen new developments in the characterization of strained layers, their theoretical simulations: and their applications for growth of self-assemble d cluster arrays. The atomic resolution imaging of clean and adsorbate-cove red strained surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy has allowed the i dentification of reactive sites and the structural characterization of grow ing clusters. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.