GROWTH, STRUCTURE AND ENERGETICS OF ULTRATHIN FERROMAGNETIC SINGLE-CRYSTAL FILMS ON MO(110)

The growth mode, structure and thermal stability of ultrathin Fe, Co and Ni films on Mo(110) surfaces is studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, work function change measurements at various temperatures at and above room temperature and by thermal desorption spectroscopy. In all cases pseudo-Frank-van der Merwe growth is found near room temperature, Stranski-Krastanov growth at intermediate temperatures and alloying at higher temperatures. In Co and Ni films structural rearrangements during growth occur already in the submonolayer range, in Fe films only towards the end of the second monolayer. Implications for the study of magnetic properties are discussed. © 1990.