Surface Reconstructions of SrTiO₃(110) Calibrated with STM and LEED

On the SrTiO₃(110) surface, a series of reconstructions related to the O-layer are created via repeated cycles of argon ion sputtering and annealing. These reconstructions, including the (2 × 8), (6 × 8), (1 × 10), and (4 × 4) structures, are studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Typical structural units in the reconstructed surfaces are identified. Meanwhile, the combined investigations with STM and LEED eliminates the interference that arises from the coexisting multiple structures, and clarifies the otherwise vague understanding of the (1 × 10) and (4 × 4) structures. Such surface reconstructions provide a potential platform for developing molecular ordering and photocatalytic applications.