Atomic images and defect structures of the epitaxially precipitated carbon layers on Ni(111) surface

The structure of carbon layers precipitated on Ni(111) surface by surface segregation was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). As a result of STM observations, it was clarified that the atomic arrangement and electronic structure of the carbon layers were essentially the same as those of the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). And some defect structures which run along 〈11̄00〉 directions were observed.