Laser-assisted deposition of iron on Si(111)-(7x7): The mechanism and energetics of Fe(CO) sub 5 decomposition.

The adoption and decomposition of Fe(CO) sub 5 on the Si(111)- (7x7) surface has been investigated using multiple internal reflection Fourier transform-infrared, Auger electron and temperature programmed desorption spectroscopies and low energy electron diffraction under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at 120K. Resonant decomposition of adsorbed Fe(CO) sub 5 via a two photon electronic excitation of the molecule was observed using laser photolysis. Fe deposition was induced using ultraviolet by not visible photons with cross sections similar to gas phase photodecomposition. In addition, Fe(CO) sub 5 decomposition was induced using 1. 6 keV electrons. No thermal reaction was apparent in temperature programmed desorption experiments. Only molecular Fe(CO) sub 5 desorption was observed at temperatures of 150 and 170 K.