One-dimensional diffusion along long atomic chains of the Si(553)-Au surface was studied with scanning tunnelling microscopy. Ab initio calculations revealed aligned preferential adsorption sites between Si step edge atomic chain and double Au atomic chain on each terrace. At 220K the Pb atoms hop between shallow potential basins forming a potential groove and moved parallel to the atomic chains. By combining the results of measurements with the model calculations of the Pb atoms static energy on the Si(553)-Au surface the attempt frequency ν0 was determined.

One-Dimensional Diffusion of Pb Atoms on the Si(553)-Au Surface. P.Nita, M.Jałochowski, M.Krawiec, A.Stȩpniak: Physical Review Letters, 2011, 107[2], 026101