Oscillatory interaction of steps on W{110}

Using a modified fourth-moment approximation to tight-binding theory, we have carried out a systematic study of the energetics of steps and kinks on the W{110} surface. This model predicts an oscillatory interaction (as a function of separation) between isolated stable steps on the W{110} surface, whereas previous studies of step-step interactions on late transition and noble metals with the embedded atom method found a purely repulsive, inverse-square decay. The oscillations are similar to those found by scanning tunneling microscope measurements of vicinal Cu{100} and Ag{110} systems. © 1996 The American Physical Society.