Rb-induced (3×1) and (6×1) reconstructions on Si(111)-(7×7): A LEED and STM study

We present a study of rubidium adsorption on the Si(111)-(7×7) surface and the related Rb-induced reconstructions as a function of deposition temperature and Rb-coverage via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Sample analysis via LEED allowed to observe for the first time a Rb/Si(111)-(6×1) reconstruction. STM allowed to obtain the first real space characterization of the Rb/Si(111)-(3×1) surface. In addition, STM provided a direct and local information on the surface arrangement as well as further insight on the interactions between Si and Rb atoms and on the growth dynamics.