The local structure of segregated nonmagnetic species on Fe(1 0 0) has been studied with LEED, Auger and STM spectroscopy. Distinct surface arrangements as well as ordered structures are observed for carbon and phosphor segregation as a function of the preparation conditions (annealing and sputtering) and of the structural quality of Fe(1 0 0) single crystals. The comparison between spectroscopic features and atomically resolved STM images reveals the presence of carbon self-assembled stripes with a regular pattern on nanometer lateral scale. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.