Jiutao Li

Tunnelling spectroscopy of surface state scattering and confinement

Using low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy we have investigated confinement of electronic surface states to hexagonal islands and other nanoscale structures on Ag(111). Local spectroscopy and spatial maps of the differential conductance are analysed using simple models of the electronic structure. We find that the concept of confinement of a two-dimensional surface state applies down to very small structures, and observe in real space how proximity to defects affects surface state lifetimes.

Vicinal surfaces of Au(110) and Ag(110) investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy

We report scanning tunneling microscopy results obtained on nominally (110) oriented, slightly miscut Au and Ag surfaces studied in ultrahigh vacuum at ambient and low temperatures (50 K). On these surfaces extended areas comprised of vicinal planes were observed and they exhibit intriguing step structures. An analysis of these planes in terms of their orientation, atomic structures, and steps is presented.

Apparent Superstructures in Scanning-Tunneling-Microscopy

Apparent superstructures have been observed with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on well‐ordered Ag(110) surfaces. These superstructures are due to the discrete sampling of the atomic corrugation in STM. Such sampling effects may explain superstructures observed previously with STM on graphite surfaces.