Dynamical Observations of Crystal Growth and Phase Transition by Surface Electron Microscopy
Abstract: Aiming at controlling self-assembly of nanostructures using surface atomic steps as templates, we observed various surface phenomena on Si(111) dynamically using a low-energy electron microscope. Motion of steps during annealing, crystal growth, and phase transition enabled us to clarify the mechanism of the surface mass diffusion and ways of controlling the step shapes dynamically. We also showed from dynamical observations of nucleation and growth of nanostructures that the steps are useful in controlling their arrangements.
Key words: low-energy electron microscope, self-assembly, step, surface mass diffusion, silicon