Interaction of adsorbates on strained metallic layers

To relieve strain, metal surfaces under tensile or compressive stress often develop periodic two-dimensional patterns of dislocations. Recently, we have seen new developments in the characterization of strained layers, their theoretical simulations and their applications for growth of self-assembled cluster arrays. The atomic resolution imaging of clean and adsorbate-covered strained surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy has allowed the identification of reactive sites and the structural characterization of growing clusters.