Dynamics in the O(2 x 1) adlayer on Ru(0001): bridging timescales from milliseconds to minutes by scanning tunneling microscopy

The dynamics within an O(2 x 1) adlayer on Ru(0001) is studied by density functional theory and high-speed scanning tunneling microscopy. Transition state theory proposes dynamic oxygen species in the reduced O(2 x 1) layer at room temperature. Collective diffusion processes can result in structural reorientations of characteristic stripe patterns. Spiral high-speed scanning tunneling microscopy measurements reveal this reorientation as a function of time in real space. Measurements, ranging over several minutes with constantly high frame rates of 20 Hz resolved the gradual reorientation. Moreover, reversible fast flipping events of stripe patterns are observed. These measurements relate the observations of long-term atomic rearrangements and their underlying fast processes captured within several tens of milliseconds.