This study investigates the Copper(111) - Antimony (Sb) system which is characterized by a
complex interplay between adsorbate interactions and adsorbate substrate interactions which
manifest through self-assembly processes. Surface sensitive techniques such as Low Energy
Electron Diffraction and Auger Electron Spectroscopy were utilized to determine the substrate
cleanliness prior to the growth of monolayer Sb coverage. The surface chemical reactivity on an
atom-by-atom basis of the Cu sample surface was studied by current imaging tunneling
spectroscopy. The use of surface sensitive techniques in studying the surface alloy in question
allows for more precise statements to be made about the surface structure of the system at
various temperatures. Based on the experimental results a comprehensive study of the
adsorption and segregation behavior of Sb on Cu(111) including the mechanisms for phase
formation at the atomic scale is presented in this study.
