Spectroscopy Of Self-Assembled One-Dimensional Atomic String: The Role Of Step Edge

Step-edge guided Gd one-dimensional atomic strings on Ag(111) surface are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at low temperature. Spectroscopy measurements show a characteristic peak, 65 meV above Fermi level in sharp contrast with tight-binding calculations of a string on a flat terrace. Good agreement can be obtained when the step edges are included in the calculations, revealing their roles on the electronic spectra of the self-assembled strings guided by step edges. The results are further confirmed by the spectroscopy study of Fe strings on a flat terrace and near step edges constructed by atomic manipulation. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.