Atomic scale imaging by UHV-AFM of nanosized gold particles on mica

Gold particles of a mean size of 22 nm are grown epitaxially on a muscovite mica support by atom deposition. For the first time, it is shown that the morphology of nanometer sized gold particles supported on mica can be imaged at the atomic scale in situ by UHV-AFM in contact mode. Top (111) and lateral (100) facets are imaged simultaneously near an edge. On a top (111) facet an atomic step has been observed.