Surface dynamics of nanoscale hex strings on Au(100) electrodes

The dynamic behavior of isolated reconstruction strings on Au(100) electrodes was studied by in situ video scanning tunnel microscopy, focusing on the high string mobility perpendicular to the string direction. Jump distribution functions for individual strings indicate contributions by at least two different processes (jumps by one and two atomic distances). String jumps can be ascribed to small atomic displacements in the strings induced by propagating kinks. No significant dependence of the jump rates on string length is found, consistent with kink formation within the strings and subsequent one-dimensional kink diffusion.