Two-dimensional metal gas—solid phase transition: dynamical work function measurements during Ag deposition on Ru(0001)

Abstract A two-dimensional phase transition during deposition of Ag on Ru(0001) was found at coverages below 0.1 ML. This phase transition is investigated by work function measurements performed in-situ, i.e. during Ag deposition, with a Kelvin probe. A value for the heat of two-dimensional vaporization is obtained by an analysis based on the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and compared with lateral AgAg interaction energies derived from Monte Carlo simulations of thermal desorption spectra of this heteroepitaxial system.