Field electron microscopy studies on the reconstruction in two steps were reported. The ordering of crystal plane terraces of the W(100) tip was observed under favourable conditions. An initial thermal field treatment was applied to obtain a relative ideal smaller tip around the [100] orientation. An unusual build-up process was induced electrically and ordered arrangement patterns of atoms and clusters of a W(100) surface covered with oxygen could be obtained at 1300K by field electron microscopy. The migration process of terraces could be in situ observed. The formation of a nm-sized protrusion on tip apex with terrace structure was introduced in order to explain the ordered arrangement patterns.

Surface Reconstruction Induced Electrically in Two Steps. J.Dou, W.Shang, X.Zhang, Z.Chen: Surface Science, 2003, 539[1-3], L519-24