Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the 19 x 19 and (1 x 1)HT reconstructions, and their transitions, on (111)B vicinal surfaces under an As pressure. These reconstructions were observed in dark and bright contrast, respectively. During the transition, 19 x 19 domains began to develop from macro-step edges onto lower (1 x 1)HT reconstructed terraces, while (1 x 1)HT domains began to develop from the macro-step edges onto the upper 19 x 19 reconstructed terraces. The transition diagram for the surface coverage of domains exhibited hysteresis. Since Ga diffusion, As incorporation or re-evaporation were enhanced during the transitions, marked step-bunching with rough macro-step edges was observed.

H.W.Ren, M.Tanaka, T.Nishinaga: Applied Physics Letters, 1996, 69[4], 565-7