English: Image of surface reconstruction on a clean Gold (Au(100)) surface, as visualized using scanning tunneling microscopy. The individual atoms composing the material are visible. Surface reconstruction causes the surface atoms to deviate from the bulk crystal structure, and arrange in columns several atoms wide with regularly spaced pits between them.
Technical details: Atomically resolved STM image of clean Au(100). This image is made with hjjnh GBhh an Omicron Low Temperature STM and RHK Technology electronics by Erwin Rossen, Eindhoven University of Technology, 2006. Parameters: p<1e-11 mbar, T is 77 K, I_setpoint is 6 nA, V_bias is 1 mV, Au(100) surface is Ar sputtered (1,5 kV, 2uA, 30 minutes) and annealed (500°C, 30 minutes).