Abstract:
Depending on the preparation method, we find two different structures
of the Pb/Ge(111) system at a nominal coverage of 4/3 monolayer that exhibit
different melting points. One is the well studied beta phase that melts
at 270 degreesC, but the other is a new and metastable phase that melts
at 330 degreesC. Using surface x-ray diffraction the atomic structure of
both phases is found to be surprisingly similar. The difference in melting
points can be explained by the distribution of the excess Pb present on
the surface, which has a direct effect on the vacancy density. We propose
a modified phase diagram, in which the melting temperature of the beta
phase depends strongly on coverage.