Functionalization of silicon step arrays I: Au passivation of stepped Si(111) templates

The growth mode of Au on stepped Si(111)7×7 surfaces is determined by scanning tunneling microscopy, with the goal of providing a continuous gold layer that replicates the step morphology. Functionalization with gold allows attaching organic and biomolecules via thiol groups (e.g., alkanes and DNA). On clean Si(111), gold grows in the Stranski–Krastanov mode and produces islands with a size comparable to the step spacing. A Ti wetting layer produces smooth Au films that preserve the step topography down to a scale of a few nanometers.