Decay of two-dimensional Ag islands on Ag(111).

We have investigated the decay of two-dimensional (2D) islands on the anisotropic Ag(110) surface using variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. Contrary to predictions from traditional Ostwald ripening theory, a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) decay mode was observed at low temperatures (175–220 K). A surprisingly sharp transition to the quasi-2D decay mode was observed around 220 K. This transition was accompanied by a fast equilibration of the island shape. These findings have tentatively been rationalized within a simple model to identify the underlying rate limiting atomistic processes.

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