One-dimensional diffusion of Pb atoms on the Si(553)-Au surface

One-dimensional diffusion along long atomic chains of the Si(553)-Au surface is studied with scanning tunneling microscopy. Ab initio calculations reveal aligned preferential adsorption sites between Si step edge atomic chain and double Au atomic chain on each terrace. At 220 K the Pb atoms hop between shallow potential basins forming a potential groove and move parallel to the atomic chains. By combining the results of measurements with the model calculations of the Pb atoms static energy on the Si(553)-Au surface the attempt frequency ν₀ is determined.