Magnetic properties of Pd atomic chains formed during submonolayer deposition of 3d metals on Pd(110).

Recently, an unusual intermixing-driven scenario for the growth of atomic Pd chains on a Pd(110) surface during deposition of 3d metal atoms has been predicted (Stepanyuk 2009 Phys. Rev. B 79 155410) and confirmed by STM and STS experiments (Wie et al 2009 Phys.

Electric field as a switching tool for magnetic states in atomic-scale nanostructures.

One of the most promising candidates for the construction of ultrahigh-density storage media is low-dimensional atomic-scale magnetic nanostructures exhibiting magnetic bi- or multistability. Here we propose a novel route of locally controlling and switching magnetism in such nanostructures. Our ab initio studies reveal that externally applied electric field can be used for this purpose.

Melting of two-dimensional adatom superlattices stabilized by long-range electronic interactions.

The melting transition of Ce adatom superlattices stabilized by long-range substrate-mediated electronic interactions on Cu(111) and Ag(111) noble metal surfaces has been investigated by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, density functional theory calculations, and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Intriguingly, owing to the interaction between Ce adatoms and substrate, these superlattices undergo two-dimensional melting to a liquid without transition through the hexatic phase. The crucial parameters for this direct solid to liquid transition are identified.

Direct evidence for the effect of quantum confinement of surface-state electrons on atomic diffusion.

We report on the direct observations of the effect of quantum confinement of surface-state electrons on atomic diffusion. Confined electronic states induced by open nanoscale resonators [consisting of two parallel monatomic Cu chains on Cu(111)] are studied by means of scanning tunneling microscope measurements and first-principles calculations. Strongly anisotropic diffusion of adatoms around and inside resonators is revealed at low temperatures.

Buried Ni/Cu(001) interface at the atomic scale.

We present a quantitative surface x-ray analysis of the buried Ni/Cu(001) interface structure after deposition of 3 and 5 monolayers of Ni at room temperature. Interface mixing is found where 27+/-10% of top layer Cu atoms are exchanged by Ni. Atomic scale simulations reveal a kinetic pathway for the Ni/Cu-exchange process and explain the observed limited degree of intermixing.

Adatom self-organization induced by quantum confinement of surface electrons.

We present a novel mechanism of nanostructure growth based on quantum confinement of surface-state electrons. Ab initio calculations and the kinetic Monte Carlo simulations reveal the phenomenon of confinement-induced adatom self-organization in quantum corrals. Our studies indicate that new atomic-scale nanostructures can be engineered exploiting the quantum confinement of surface electrons.