A variety of one dimensional atomic chains can be synthesized on stepped surfaces, which provide opportunities for systematically tailoring the surface properties. The electronic structure of the high vicinal surface plays an essential role in determining the physical properties of the atomic chains. The authors have used surface analysis techniques to study the surface of Pt(997) single crystal. Angle resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy was performed to characterize the electronic states of Pt(997) surface by using a synchrotron radiation light source. Different from the expected free electron model on the flat Pt(I 11) surface, electron confinement is observed with a wave vector perpendicular to the step direction. Fe was carefully deposited onto Pt(997) substrate at room temperature. The STM data show that Fe atomic chains were formed along the step edges due to the step decoration growth. The exchange splitting of Fe 3d bands is estimated according to the photoemission spectroscopy data of Fe/Pt. (C) 2008 American Vacuum Society.