Formation of Two-Dimensional AgTe Monolayer Atomic Crystal on Ag(111) Substrate

We report on the formation of two-dimensional monolayer AgTe crystal on Ag(111) substrates. The samples are prepared in ultrahigh vacuum by deposition of Te on Ag(111) followed by annealing. Using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and low electron energy diffraction (LEED), we investigate the atomic structure of the samples. The STM images and the LEED pattern show that monolayer AgTe crystal is formed on Ag(111). Four kinds of atomic structures of AgTe and Ag(111) are observed: (i) flat honeycomb structure, (ii) bulked honeycomb, (iii) stripe structure, (iv) hexagonal structure. The structural analysis indicates that the formation of the different atomic structures is due to the lattice mismatch and relief of the intrinsic strain in the AgTe layer. Our results provide a simple and convenient method to produce monolayer AgTe atomic crystal on Ag(111) and a template for study of novel physical properties and for future quantum devices.