Formation of nanostructures on an α-C:H film in the presence of an adsorbate
Luskinovich P. N. , Frolov V. D., Shavykin A. E. , Khavryuchenko V. D., Sheka E. F. , Nikitina E. A.
Processes occurring on the surface of an a-C:H film in the electric field of a STM tip in the presence of trichloroethylene adsorbate are described. It is found experimentally that nanogrowths form in the tunnel gap as a result of the action of positive electric field pulses on the tip. The formation process exhibits a threshold and it occurs in a narrow range of voltages after the threshold voltage is reached. It is shown on the basis of a quantum-chemical calculation that the growths consist of the final product of a graft polymerization reaction of the adsorbate stimulated by the electric field of the tip. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.