Single-layer MnBr2 is grown on graphene (Gr) supported by Ir(110) and investigated using low-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and spectroscopy. The structure and epitaxial relationship with the substrate are systematically characterized. The structure and epitaxial relationship with the substrate are systematically characterized. The growth morphology strongly depends on the growth temperature, evolving from fractal to dendritic and eventually to compact dendritic skeletal islands, reflecting changes in the underlying surface diffusion processes. The pronounced variation in the apparent height with tunneling conditions for the magnetic insulator is explained based on the measured electronic density of states. MnBr2 on Gr/Ir(110) constitutes a three-lattice system, giving rise to a super-moir\'e pattern -- a moir\'e of moir\'es. The super-moir\'e of MnBr2/Gr/Ir(110) is unique, as it involves a virtual moir\'e of MnBr2 with the Ir(110) surface lattice -- two lattices not in contact with each other. Using a careful Fourier analysis, the known properties of Gr/Ir(110), and the results of ab initio calculations, the origin of the virtual moir\'e is uncovered and related to the inhomogeneous binding of Gr to Ir(110). Comparative experiments with MnBr2 on Gr/Ir(111) show similar growth and structure, but highlight the unique properties of the MnBr2/Gr/Ir(110) super-moir\'e.
@article{arxiv.2508.19694,
title = {MnBr$_2$ on the graphene on Ir(110) substrate: growth, structure, and super-moir\`e},
author = {Affan Safeer and Oktay Güleryüz and Nicolae Atodiresei and Wouter Jolie and Thomas Michely and Jeison Fischer},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2508.19694},
year = {2025}
}