Structure of the Te/Ge(001) Surface Studied by Spa-Leed

The tellurium ad- and de-sorption on the Ge(001) surface have been studied using high-resolution low energy electron diffraction and reflection high-energy electron diffraction. Upon adsorption of one monolayer of Te at 280 °C a streaky (2×1) reconstruction occurs, which can be explained by a missing-row model. Upon annealing the surface transforms to a c(2×2)-(2×1) mixed reconstruction. A splitting of the superstructure spots was found which indicates an ordered arrangement of strip-like domains on the surface. We address the question of both the atomic and the domain structure of the Te-adlayer prior to desorption and present a model for the entire desorption process. Furthermore, a (113)-faceting of the (001) surface which occurs upon Te-adsorption at a higher substrate temperature (380 °C) was investigated.