Probing potential energy landscapes via electron-beam-induced single atom dynamics

Structure, bonding, and chemical dynamics of reactions at surfaces and interfaces, and therefore most material properties are intrinsically tied to the energetic landscape in which each atom resides. Here, we demonstrate that a moving atom under electron beam excitation can be used to probe the energy landscape along (confined) step edges, providing information about atomic-scale potentials. The techniques for experimentally exploring atomic potentials holds promise for predictive atom-by-atom fabrication using electron beams. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The structure, bonding, and chemical dynamics of reactions at surfaces and interfaces are closely tied to the energetic landscape where each atom resides. Moving atoms under electron beam excitation can be utilized to probe energy landscapes along confined step edges, offering insights into atomic-scale potentials and the possibility for predictive atom-by-atom fabrication.