The growth and properties of Eu-induced one-dimensional reconstructions on vicinal Si(1 1 1) surface miscut in the [(1) over bar (1) over bar 2] direction have been studied by low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscope in the submonolayer range. The focus has been attended to the formation of single-domain structures and the influence of preparation parameters on the domain orientation. We have found the critical conditions for the preparation of a variety of Eu-induced single-domain (n x 2) and (n x 1) structures. In addition, a new intermediate phase showing the 9 x 1 periodicity between 3 x 2 and 2 x 1 phases is detected. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.