For the first time, 5 x 5 surface reconstruction on annealed LaAlO3 “100” surfaces was observed with reflection high-energy electron diffraction and reflection electron microscopy. Most of the “100” surface areas were covered by the reconstructed layer. The presence of twin boundaries and protrusion contaminants on the surface had no influence on the formation of the reconstruction. Surface steps could enhance the surface reconstruction but were not essential to initiate the reconstruction. This feature was interpreted based on the adsorption models of oxygen on surface steps.

Studies of LaAlO3 “100” Surfaces using RHEED and REM II - 5 x 5 Surface Reconstruction. Z.L.Wang, A.J.Shapiro: Surface Science, 1995, 328[1-2], 159-69