We demonstrate that scanning tunneling microscope tip-surface crash events can be utilized as an efficient means for the creation of predefined island configurations for diffusion studies. Using this method, islands of varying size can be created and placed in close proximity, increasing the probability of initiating and observing coalescence events. Data obtained from crash initiated events on a Ag(111) surface are presented. Relaxation time exponents extracted from these data confirm that our method gives results consistent with previous, sputter-obtained island coalescence studies. We also describe an instrument-control routine developed for these measurements that utilizes commercial imaging and off-the-shelf automation software to automate the tracking of islands or other features by the microscope.
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According to classical diffusion theory, the two scaling exponents are related by (Ref. 2).
To obtain more information about this general-purpose tracking code for automated STM, contact the authors.
We note that our measured diameter values have an accuracy that is limited by the apex size of the STM tip. However, this does not affect our observed rates of island movement or the power law exponents extracted from coalescence events.