Unconventional incommensurate epitaxy of superconducting FeSe films on
Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 064801 – Published 3 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/j4j1-jfcf
Abstract
We present a combined x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy study of superconducting FeSe/FeTe multilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on substrates. While x-ray diffraction confirms perfect in-plane epitaxial alignment between FeSe, FeTe, and the substrate, scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals a surprising lack of atomic registry at the interface. Instead of adapting to the substrate lattice, FeSe retains its own in-plane lattice spacing. A periodic lateral shift between the atomic positions of FeSe and is observed, with a registry recurrence length that matches the lattice mismatch determined by x-ray diffraction. No misfit dislocations or other relaxation features are detected at the interface. This coexistence of directional alignment and registry-free growth suggests an unconventional regime of epitaxy in which crystallographic orientation is maintained without atomic matching. The findings offer insight into strain accommodation in layered systems and may have implications for interface engineering in Fe-based superconductors.