Direct observation of subsurface charge ordering in Fe3O4(001) by scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy

In this study, we characterized Fe3O4(001) films using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). On the film surfaces, individual iron atoms and ()R45° reconstructed structures were observed by STM. The STS results showed that the local density of states just below the Fermi level was hi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inApplied physics express Vol. 10; no. 4
Main Authors Hiura, Satoshi, Ikeuchi, Akira, Jochi, Masafumi, Yamazaki, Riku, Takahashi, Sotaro, Subagyo, Agus, Murayama, Akihiro, Sueoka, Kazuhisa
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published The Japan Society of Applied Physics 01.04.2017
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:In this study, we characterized Fe3O4(001) films using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). On the film surfaces, individual iron atoms and ()R45° reconstructed structures were observed by STM. The STS results showed that the local density of states just below the Fermi level was higher in narrow sections than in wide sections of the surface reconstruction perpendicular to the iron rows. Periodic density of states modulations reproducing this electronic structure were clearly observed in the differential tunneling conductance map. These experimental results revealed the presence of subsurface charge ordering of Fe2+-Fe2+ and Fe3+-Fe3+ dimers, as proposed in previous density functional theory studies.
ISSN:1882-0778
1882-0786
DOI:10.7567/APEX.10.045701