N on Cu{110}: Evidence for directional island growth and two (2×3)N reconstructions

We have studied the adsorption of atomic N on the Cu{110} surface using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). For very low N doses the (2×{}3)N reconstruction forms rectangular-shaped islands elongated in the 〈110〉 direction. Images of the (2×{}3)N reconstruction within these islands resemble those of an earlier STM study. The resolution obtained in these experiments enables additional features to be observed. At higher N doses an additional (2×{}3)N reconstruction is observed. These results may explain differences between results from previous experimental studies of this system.