Tip-surface interactions in STM experiments on Au(111): atomic-scale metal friction
Résumé
Large morphological changes of Au(111) surfaces can be induced by interaction with a probe tip in typical STM conditions. Gold atoms are transferred from steps on the surface to the tip by a process reminiscent of junction formation in metal friction. In the first passage of the step, up to fifty atoms may be transferred; after this interaction, the step is inactivated for about 1 second, possibly by removal of adsorbates