Atomic structure of Yb/Si(100)(2X6): Interrelation between the silicon dimer arrangement and Si 2p photoemission line shape

Combining photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional theory calculations, we have studied the atomic geometry of Yb/Si(100)(2 X 6) reconstruction and the mechanisms responsible for its stabilization as well as the influence of this reconstruction on Si 2p core-level photoemission. The analysis of measured and calculated surface core-level shifts supports the recently proposed model of the Yb/Si(100)(2 X 6). It involves, in agreement with valence-band measurements, unbuckled (symmetrical) silicon dimers, leading to unusually narrowed Si 2p line shape as compared to those of related systems. The origin of the symmetrical dimers in the (2 X 6) structure is discussed in the context of previous results in literature.