Lattice of surface-magic-clusters: an ordered array of identical nanostructures

To create an ordered array of mono-dispersed nanostructure is an important step towards the implementation of nanodevices. The discovery of surface magic clusters (SMC), which refer to clusters exhibiting extraordinary stability at certain sizes on a particular surface, provides a viable pathway for the creation of such an array. The first 2-d lattice of SMC was created and its structure was determined by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy diffraction analysis, and ab-inito calculations.