The 2 x 1/1 x 2 reconstruction of a homo-epitaxial (001) surface was studied by using scanning tunnelling microscopy at the atomic scale, and reflection electron microscopy at the macroscopic scale. The monohydride dimer, which was a unit of the surface reconstruction, had a symmetrical structure. The surface was composed of elongated dimer rows. Antiphase boundaries were observed, and this was taken to indicate a low-temperature epitaxy in which surface migration was limited. The macroscopic surface flatness was improved, during the growth stage, in the presence of O and B (which enhanced migration).

H.Kawarada, H.Sasaki, A.Sato: Physical Review B, 1995, 52[15], 11351-8