Silicon nano-ribbons on Ag(110): a computational investigation.

We report results of a computational investigation, based on density functional theory, of silicon self-assembled nano-ribbons (Si NRs) on Ag(110). These NRs present a honeycomb-like structure arched on the substrate and forming a closed-packed structure. The calculated STM images match the experimental ones, hinting to a possible new Si structure, mediated by the Ag substrate. The observed new electronic states near the Fermi level were reproduced by the calculations and attributed to a confinement/hybridization tandem.