Fractal Dimension of Disordered Submonolayers: Determination from He Scattering Data

Abstract

We propose a novel method to measure the fractal dimension of a submonolayer metal adatom system grown under conditions of limited diffusivity on a surface. The method is based on measuring the specular peak attenuation of He atoms scattered from the surface, as a function of incidence energy. The (Minkowski) fractal dimension thus obtained is that of contours of constant electron density of the adatom system. Simulation results are presented, based on experimental data. A coverage dependent fractal dimension is found from a two-decade wide scaling regime.