Sb on Ge(100)

A three dimensional rendering of an Sb layer on Ge(100). We are interested in the interaction of Sb with Ge because it has been shown that Sb can promote the growth of smooth Ge films, thus acting as a surfactant. We find that Sb termination actually favors roughening the surface, the opposite of the desired effect. The roughening, however, can be limited by kinetically blocking the Sb-Ge exchange process required to roughen the surface.