The transition between β-SiC(100) surface reconstructions was investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy (filled and empty electronic states). An unexpected formation was found of Si-dimer lines that were self-assembled by pairs with a long-range order resulting in an even 8 x 2 surface reconstruction. This very uncommon surface ordering results in the combination of alternating periodic 3 x 2 and 5 x 2 unit cells. In contrast to the β-SiC(100) (3 x 2) surface reconstruction, the Si-dimers were symmetrical. Such atomic line pairs provide a novel type of one dimensional sub-nanostructure potentially having interesting characteristics.

Pairs of Si Atomic Lines Self-Assembling on the β-SiC(100) Surface - an 8 x 2 Reconstruction. L.Douillard, V.Y.Aristov, F.Semond, P.Soukiassian: Surface Science, 1998, 401[1], L395-400