Monoatomic step observation on Si(111) surfaces by force microscopy in air

Abstract
The structure of a vicinal Si(111) stepped surface is analyzed by force microscopy in air to reveal a fine structure in a step bunching area, and a monoatomic step in a terrace region. Step heights of one to three monoatomic layers were also observed on a debunched Si(111) surface. These steps have low crystallographic indices [112̄], [101̄], [01̄1], [213̄], and [ 1̄2̄3]. The force microscope images were in good agreement with scanning electron microscope and reflection electron microscope images observed in ultrahigh vacuum just after sample annealing by resistive heating.