Observation of
a Liquid Phase with an Orthorhombic Orientational Order
D. Kaminski, P. Poodt, E. Aret, N. Radenovic, and E. Vlieg
Phys. Review Letters 96 (2006) 056102, 1-4
Abstract:
Using surface x-ray diffraction, we have determined the structure of
liquid Bi monolayers on Cu(111) for a range of coverages. By combining
diffuse scattering data from the liquid with information from the
substrate scattering, the ordering properties of Bi have been fully
determined. Even though the substrate is hexagonal, we find that the
liquid does not show hexatic order but has an orthorhombic
orientational order that occurs in three domains. Simultaneously, Bi
has partial solidlike properties, even well above its melting point.