Fabrication of one-dimensional magic cluster arrays using a vicinal surface as a template

One-dimensional arrays of magic In clusters were grown using the Si(557) surface as a template. We find that magic clusters with an In6Si3 stoichiometry grow on the (111) terraces of the Si(557) surface, which are identical to those formed on the planar Si(111) 7 x 7 surface. A preferential formation of the clusters on faulted half unit cells of the 7 x 7 reconstruction enables the growth of two different types of one-dimensional arrays with different cluster-cluster distances. A delayed onset of the cluster growth with an initial formation of atomic wires is found, in contrast to magic In clusters on the planar Si(111) surface. Published under license by AIP Publishing.