Growth of Ce thin film on a Mo(110) surface

The growth mode and surface structure of Ce thin films deposited on a Mo(110) surface were investigated by means of reflection high energy electron diffraction and scanning electron microscope. High temperature condensation above 500 degrees C takes place according to the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode in which double layers grow initially, followed by the growth of Ce crystallites. The Ce two-dimensional double layers are composed of distorted fee gamma-Ce(111) layer and normal fee gamma-Ce(111) layer for the Ist and the 2nd layer, respectively. The Ce crystallites with the shape of flat islands are observed at high coverage. Epitaxial orientation relationship of 2nd monolayer and the crystallites is the Nishiyama-Wassermann relationship. However, low temperature condensation below 500 degrees C takes place according to the Frank-van der Merwe growth mode.