Abstract :
We have used high-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy STM.to study in real time SrTiO3 step edge dynamics
in the 6008C to 8008C temperature range. We observed a dramatic transformation of the step edge structure above 6908C,
involving step edge straightening due to rapid migration of surface atoms. The STM study shows that if a NH4F-HF-etched
substrate is annealed at 8008C, a well-ordered surface, suitable for high-Tc superconductor thin film deposition, can be
produced. q1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved
