Abstract
Depositing $CaF_2$[0.6% lattice-mismatch] on the Si(001)-$4^{\circ}$ off surface [composed of a single (001) domain with regularly-arrayed double-layer DB steps and located between (1 1 19) and (1 1 21)] held at $700^{\circ}C$, $CaF_2$ molecules are preferentially adsorbed on the dimers and dissociated to Ca and F atoms. Dissociated Ca atoms form a silicide layer of a $2{\times}3$ structure on the (001) terrace, while F atoms are desorbed from the surface. Once the terrace is covered with a calcium silicide layer, CaF starts to be adsorbed selectively on the steps, as shown in Fig. (a). With $CaF_2$ deposition exceeding 1 ML, the (1 1 17) surface having 1-D $CaF_2$ nanodots are formed as shown in Fig. (b). By the present STM study, it has been clearly disclosed that the calcium silicide interfacial layer is preformed prior to adsorption of $CaF_2$ on vicinal Si(001) surface.