Initial stages of nanoislands formation on Si(111) 7/spl times/7 surface

Investigation of a minimal stable nucleus on Si(111)-7/spl times/7 surface was carried out by interatomic potential calculations and STM image analyses. Potential relief for adatom diffusion through this surface was calculated using Tersoff potential. Calculations demonstrated that a tetramer formed in the center of 7/spl times/7 unit cell after low deposited dose may be considered as a minimal stable nucleus on Si(111)-7/spl times/7 surface.