Bilayer growth of nanoscale Co islands on Cu(111)

Combining kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular static simulations, we follow at the atomic scale the growth of Co nanoislands on Cu(111) surface over a wide range of surface temperatures (130-300K). Atomistic processes responsible for the interlayer mass transport of Co atoms and the formation of 2 ML high nanoislands at temperatures > 200 K are revealed. Transition from the two- to the three-dimensional growth mode with decreasing the temperature is demonstrated. Strain relaxations induced in the Cu substrate and in the Co nanoislands are found to have a strong impact on the formation of triangle Co islands at room temperatures. Results of our theoretical studies are supported by the scanning tunneling microscope measurements.