Scanning Tunneling Microscope Study of Atomic Steps in Gold Films on Muscovite Mica

We are carrying Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) studies of gold on Muscovite mica to observe the atomic step migration and test the functionality of our STM. The experiment was performed by using a RHK ultra-high-vacuum STM. The gold sample was prepared in low pressure vacuum chamber, and the films were grown at constant rate of 0.1 nm/sec to the desired thickness. After deposition, the films were thermally annealed to produce flat terraces which are being studied. The migration of atomic steps over time is being observed and the results are presented.