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Ionic Charge Distributions in Silicon Atomic Wires

Using a non-contact atomic force microscope (nc-AFM), we examine continuous DB wire structures on the hydrogen-terminated silicon (100) 2x1 surface. By probing the DB structures at varying energies, we identify the formation of previously unobserved ionic charge distributions correlated to the net charge of DB wires and their predicted lattice distortion. Performing spectroscopic analysis, we identify higher energy configurations corresponding to alternative lattice distortions as well as tip-induced charging effects. By varying the length and orientation of these DB structures, we further highlight key features in the formation of these ionic surface phases.