High anisotropic inserted dendritic growth during first stage of Zn monolayer deposition on Ag(111) substrate

Sub-monolayer physical layer deposition of Zn on Ag(111) substrate at room temperature is investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. We identified an original Zn highly-anisotropic structure in the shape of finger-like inserted dendrite in front of Zn monolayer growth. On the basis of STM observations, a mechanism of inserted dendritic growth and a mechanism of its transition to layered growth are proposed.

Automated summary

Experimental investigations and observations have revealed a highly anisotropic structure of Zn on Ag(111) substrate at room temperature, forming finger-like inserted dendrites in front of Zn monolayer growth. Based on STM observations, mechanisms of inserted dendritic growth and its transition to layered growth are proposed.