Ga induced 2D superstructural phase diagram on trenched Si(5 5 12) surface

► Kinetics of adsorption and desorption of Ga on trenched Si(5 5 12) - 2 × 1 surface. ► Formation of Ga nanowires, nanochains and 3D metal islands. ► A comprehensive phase diagram of Ga/Si(5 5 12) using AES and LEED observations.