Formation of nanostructures on an alpha-C:H film in the presence of an adsorbate

Processes occurring on the surface of an alpha-C:H film in the electric field of a STM tip in the presence of trichloroethylene adsorbate are described. It is found experimentally that nanogrowths form in the tunnel gap as a result of the action of positive electric field pulses on the tip. The formation process exhibits a threshold and it occurs in a narrow range of voltages after the threshold voltage is reached, It is shown on the basis of a quantum-chemical calculation that the growths consist of the final product of a graft polymerization reaction of the adsorbate stimulated by the electric field of the tip. (C) 1995 American institute of Physics.