Abstract
We report a surprising observation that the growth of the [Formula presented] superlattice of [Formula presented] structure on Cu(100) is stable only up to six atomic layers ([Formula presented]), which cannot be rationalized by stress arguments. Instead, first-principles calculations reveal a transition from the [Formula presented] to the [Formula presented] structure due to the effect of dimensionality on the stability of the electronic structure of the superlattice. Whereas the majority-spin electrons are energetically insensitive to the layer thickness, the minority-spin electrons induce the transition at [Formula presented].
Original language | English |
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Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |