Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
Applied Physics Letters
Publication Date
Page Number
143112
Volume
91
Issue
14
Abstract
Atomic steps at growth surfaces are important heterogeneous sources for nucleation of epitaxial nano-objects. Here we report on the direct imaging of a diatomic interface step between a horizontal nanowire and the substrate on which this nano-object has been formed by a self-assembly process. The nucleation process of this nano-object is shown to take place preferentially on the upper terrace surface of the step as a result of the local stress relaxation.