Scanning tunneling spectroscopy of one-dimensional surface states on a metal surface

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy permits real-space observation of one-dimensional electronic states on a Fe(100) surface alloyed with Si. These states are localized along chains of Fe atoms in domain boundaries of the Fe(100) c(2 x 2)Si surface alloy, as confirmed by first-principles spin-polarized calculations. The calculated charge densities illustrate the d-like orbital character of the one-dimensional state and show its relationship to a two-dimensional state existing on the pure Fe(100) surface.