In-situ real-space imaging of single crystal surface reconstructions via electron microscopy

Abstract

Here, we report a high temperature in-situ atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) study of single crystal surface structure dynamics. With the approach, we gain direct insight into a double layer reconstruction that occurs on the polar SrTiO3 (110) surface. We find that structural details of this reconstruction can be directly attributed to charge redistribution and the thermal mismatch between the surface and the bulk material. Periodic surface defects, similar to dislocations, are found, which act to relieve stress as the temperature is lowered. Combining STEM observations, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and density functional theory, we highlight the combined role of lattice misfit and charge compensation to determine the structure and chemistry of the observed polar surface reconstruction.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 14, 2016
Source ID
10.1063/1.4967978

Entities

People

  • Douglas L Irving
  • Everett D. Grimley
  • James M. LeBeau
  • Preston C Bowes
  • Weizong Xu

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • National Science Foundation
  • North Carolina State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Quantum Chemistry

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space