慢正电子束研究薄膜、界面和近表面微观结构

慢正电子束技术十几年来发展起来的探测材料近表面微结构的新手段,文章介绍了其在薄膜、界面和近表面测量的基本方法和部分应用结果。     

Low energy Auger and loss electron spectra from magnesium and its oxide

Data have been obtained from Auger and energy loss processes in clean metallic Mg, Mg during stages of oxidation, and UHV cleaved MgO(100) surfaces. Particular attention has been paid to twenty features below 200 eV in the Auger spectra from these surfaces. A comparison of spectra from the metal, oxidised metal surface, and single crystal MgO has enabled estimates to be made of surface charging effects, and the MgO steady state surface potential is found to be near + 10 V above ground. All the Auger features are given assignments, two of which are interfacial processes involving ionic initial states and metallic final states. Several features in the low energy Auger spectrum are attributed to diffraction of true secondary electrons.     

Surface chemistry: from vibrational spectroscopy to photoemission spectromicroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy and core-level photoelectron spectroscopy are two of the most powerful tools for surface chemical analysis. We have used both techniques in conjunction with others to study hydrocarbon radical interactions with metal and semiconductor surfaces as well as thin film deposition processes. These include the investigations of CH₂ and CH₃ reactions on Cu by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), and GaN formation from Ga(CH₃)₃ and NH₃ on SiC by SR-PES. The vibrational analysis has revealed rich surface chemistry of the radicals while the photoemission study has led us to develop new approach for probing ultrafine structures. The effort involves the construction of a scanning photoemission spectromicroscope (SPEM) coupled to a synchrotron radiation light source. Recent results are presented in this brief report.     

Calculation of structure-sensitive surface peak intensity in mev ion scattering

The surface peak intensity from a silicon crystal has been calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation method assuming a variety of surface structure models and dynamics. Effects of thermal vibration, displacements and relaxation of surface atoms, and also the shadowing effect by adsorbed layers and the effect of multiple scattering of the projectile in penetrating surface layers have been evaluated in the He⁺ ion incident energy range from 0.1 to 2.0 MeV. Since many real surfaces of crystals are covered with adsorbed (deposited) layers or otherwise reconstructed when they are clean, it is of practical usefulness to obtain the calculation results about such surfaces in order to apply the MeV ion scattering technique for surface analyses. The results show the sensitivity and limits of this technique.     

A Surface Femtosecond Two-Photon Photoemission Spectrometer for Excited Electron Dynamics and Time-Dependent Photochemical Kinetics

搭建了一套研究金属和金属氧化物表面的超快激发态电子动力学和光化学动力学的飞秒双光子光电子能谱仪. 该装置将半球形电子能量分析仪和成像技术相结合,同时测量光电子的能量和角度分布.通过Mach-Zehnder干涉仪测量时间分辨的双光子光电子能谱获得超快激发电子态的动力学信息. 这一功能在Cu(111)上得到了证实. 另外还发展了一个通过实时测量双光子光电子能谱来研究表面光化学的方法,并成功应用到CH₃CH₂OH/TiO₂(110)体系. 研究表明,只有将两种方法结合起来才能正确地研究光诱导的表面激发共振的动力学.     

Electron-stimulated desorption of potassium and cesium atoms from oxidized molybdenum surfaces

The electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) yields and energy distributions for potassium (K) and cesium (Cs) atoms have been measured from K and Cs layers adsorbed at 300 K on oxidized molybdenum surfaces with various degrees of oxidation. The measurements were carried out using a time-of-flight method and surface ionization detector. The ESD appearance threshold for K and Cs atoms is independent of the molybdenum oxidation state and is close to the oxygen 2s level ionization energy of 25 eV. Additional thresholds for both K and Cs atoms are observed at about 40 and 70 eV in ESD from layers adsorbed on an oxygen monolayer-covered molybdenum surface; they are associated with resonance processes involving Mo 4p and 4s excitations. The ESD energy distributions for K and Cs atoms consist of single peaks. The most probable kinetic energy of atoms decreases in going from cesium to potassium and with increasing adsorbed metal concentration; it lies in the energy range around 0.35 eV. The K and Cs atom ESD energy distributions from adlayers on an oxygen monolayer-covered molybdenum surface are extended toward very low kinetic energies. The data can be interpreted by means of the Auger stimulated desorption model, in which neutralization of adsorbed alkali-metal ions occurs after filling of holes created by incident electrons in the O 2s, Mo 4s or Mo 4p levels.     

Observation of surface layering in a nonmetallic liquid

Oscillatory density profiles (layers) have previously been observed at the free surfaces of liquid metals but not in other isotropic liquids. We have used x-ray reflectivity to study a molecular liquid, tetrakis(2-ethylhexoxy)silane. When cooled to T/Tc approximately 0.25 (well above the freezing point for this liquid), density oscillations appear at the surface. Lateral order within the layers is liquidlike. Our results confirm theoretical predictions that a surface-layered state will appear even in dielectric liquids at sufficiently low temperatures, if not preempted by freezing.     

Surface modification of a biomedical polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by air plasma

In this work, low-pressure air plasma has been used to improve polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surface properties for technical applications. Surface free energy values have been estimated using contact angle value for different exposure times and different test liquids. Surface composition and morphology of the films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface topography changes related with the etching mechanism have been followed by weight loss study. The results show a considerable improvement in surface wettability and the surface free energy values even for short exposure times in the different discharge areas (discharge area, afterglow area and remote area), as observed by a remarkable decrease in contact angle values. Change of chemical composition made the polymer surfaces to be highly hydrophilic, which mainly depends on the increase in oxygen-containing groups. In addition to, the surface activation and AFM analyses show obvious changes in surface topography as a consequence of the plasma-etching mechanism.     

Laser spectroscopic investigation of a new precursor-type polyparaphenylenevinylene

Optical, structural and morphological properties of thin films of polyparaphenylenevinylene (PPV) formed by an alkyl sulfinyl precursor route have been studied. Thin films were fabricated on an optical glass and on quartz glass either by spin-coating of the precursor solution or by layer-by-layer deposition using Langmuir–Blodgett technique. PPV precursor films were also spin-coated on gold-coated glass in order to study thin-film optical parameters by surface plasmon spectroscopy. We have been successful in forming about 40 precursor mono layers on quartz glass by Langmuir–Blodgett technique using optimized surface pressure and dipping conditions. After thermal conversion of the precursor layers good quality fluorescent PPV films of yellow colour have been obtained. Optical characterization of the films was carried out by linear absorption and emission spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and surface plasmon spectroscopy. Structural and morphological studies on the thin films were carried out by using X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. Wave-guided travelling-wave laser action has been achieved in a PPV film on quartz glass. The sample was transversally pumped with picosecond laser pulses (wavelength 347.15 nm, duration 35 ps). Laser emission occurred at 550 nm for pump pulse energy densities above .     

Scattering of molecular beams from surfaces

Molecular beam scattering from surfaces offers a unique method for studying elementary gas-solid collisions. Recent technological advances have made it possible to study elastic and inelastic scattering from clean surfaces characterized by LEED and Auger spectroscopy. These experiments have provided information on surface structures, with and without adsorbed gases, on the gas-surface interaction potential, and on inelastic collisions involving phonon annihilation and creation. These recent measurements are reviewed and discussed in terms of the latest theoretical work.     

Scattering by rough surfaces in a conical configuration: experimental Mueller matrix

A simple method for measuring the Mueller matrix associated with rough surfaces in a conical configuration is presented. I present result of experimental measurements of the Mueller matrix for the angular distribution of the light scattered by a one-dimensional gold-coated randomly rough surface in a conical configuration. Effects related to the phenomenon of enhanced backscattering are reported.     

Automatic microcircuit formation based on gold-coated SU-8 microrods via dielectrophoresis

To explore the application of the characteristics of metallic microparticles, alternating current electric trapping of the SU-8 microrods coated with a thin gold layer by the chemical approach is investigated. Positive dielectrophoresis is used to absorb the gold-coated SU-8 microrods at the edge of the parallel electrodes, thereby forming chains to connect the electrodes. This is a fast automatic microcircuit formation process. Moreover, a non-charged molecule is modified on the surface of the gold-coated SU-8 microrod, and the modified microrods are controlled by the alternating electric field to form a number of chains. The different chains between the parallel electrodes consist of various parallel circuits. In order to compare these chains with different electric surfaces, the impedances of the metallic and modified microrods are measured and compared, and the results show that the gold-coated microrods act as pure resistors, while the microrods functionalized by a non-charged molecule behave as good capacitors.     

Surface science goes liquid !

Ionic liquids are a new class of materials with most interesting properties. They are liquid at room temperature, but have a negligible vapour pressure. Consequently they can, in contrast to normal liquids, be investigated by all UHV-based methods of surface science. This allows to determine their properties with the same atomic level accuracy that is presently common for solid surfaces and conventional adsorbate systems. Apart from the investigation of the specific properties of ionic liquids, which are relevant for many applications, this also opens the possibility to obtain more detailed insight in the general physical and chemical properties of liquids. In that sense it opens the door to a new chapter of surface science – “Ionic Liquid Surface Science”.     

模板对异构体选择性生长的动力学控制作用与化学气相沉积金刚石的生长机理

阐述了模板的动力学控制作用对大尺度有序结构特别是亚稳相的生长，对自由能相差很小的异构体的选择生长所具有的重要作用.汲取现有金刚石生长理论的合理思想，以模板概念为基础给出了对化学气相沉积(CVD)过程的动力学热力学综合描述：1)碳原子在碳氢化合物中的化学势高于固相碳，气相碳氢化合物的碳原子有可能落到化学势较低的固态碳的各种异构体.2)气相碳通过表面反应实现向固相碳的转化.3)表面的模板作用是控制气相碳原子转换方式的主要动力学因素，不同的表面(石墨各种取向的表面及金刚石不同取向的表面)选择了落入其上的碳原子的结构方式及能量状态.4)因此,衬底的不同区域可发生几种不同的独立的表面反应过程,这些反应对应于不同表面的生长.5）而这些表面反应的方向性及速度受表面临域热力学因素的影响，反应的方向性决定了某种晶面是生长或刻蚀，在特定的温度、压强及各种气体分压下可以实现金刚石的生长和石墨的刻蚀.6)衬底局域晶格结构及键价结构和衬底表面气相的温度、压强及各种气体分压等热力学条件共同决定了成核的临界条件.7）与外界有能量和物质交换的等离子体系统，以及气相中发生的一系列化学反应，仅起到了维持某种固相表面生长所需要的非平衡热力学条件和化学条件的作用.金刚石和石墨表面具有的模板动力学控制作用，在特定热力学条件下主导自身外延层的生长方式；异质衬底的某些局域微观结构可以作为新相生长成核的局域模板；不同材料、不同的处理方法、及不同的化学环境下的衬底具有不同的局域微观结构，从而决定了多晶薄膜的取向优势. 关键词： 模板 异构体 选择性生长 金刚石薄膜     

Hydrophobic optical elements for near-field optical analysis (NOA) in liquid environment--a preliminary study.

Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) in liquid environment is expected to allow time resolved morphological mappings on cellular surfaces on the nanoscale level. Near-field Optical Analysis (NOA) via NSOM exploits the energy transfer from the tip of an optical element (tip diameter > or = 20nm), oscillating within the range of the characteristic length of the energy transfer ( approximately 10nm) in the near-field of the surface to be analysed. In NOA, a molecular assembly is monitored by visible light with a resolution far below the wavelength of visible light. Actually, NOA is successfully applied in mapping local optical contrasts, for instance in photonic crystals with dielectric periodicities on the nanoscale. NSOM could in principle be performed in two different modes: tapping mode, with tip-oscillations perpendicular, or shear force mode, with tip-oscillations parallel to the substrate. Both basic modes have specific advantages and disadvantages. In biological systems (e.g. in cell cultures), where scanning in liquids is prevalent, elongated optical elements non-invasively operated in the shear force modus could have some specific advantages when compared to contact modus systems. While tapping mode NSOM provides satisfactory nanoscale images even on solid surfaces covered with millimetres of liquids, the performance of shear force mode NSOM is presently largely confined to operations on dry samples. This is due to the inability of conventional shear force mode NSOM systems to provide sharp topographic images of sample surfaces substantially covered with liquids. By equipping a conventional NSOM system with hydrophobic optical elements, shear force mode based topographic images could be obtained on biological samples in dry as well as in aqueous environment, and with resolutions on the nanoscale level.     

Experimentally validated Raman Monte Carlo simulation for a cuboid object to obtain Raman spectroscopic signatures for hidden material

In conventional Raman spectroscopic measurements of liquids or surfaces the preferred geometry for detection of the Raman signal is the backscattering (or reflection) mode. For non‐transparent layered materials, sub‐surface Raman signals have been retrieved using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), usually with light collection in the same plane as the point of excitation. However, as a result of multiple scattering in a turbid medium, Raman photons will be emitted in all directions. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations for a three‐dimensional layered sample with finite geometry have been performed to confirm the detectability of Raman signals at all angles and at all sides of the object. We considered a non‐transparent cuboid container (high density polyethylene) with explosive material (ammonium nitrate) inside. The simulation results were validated with experimental Raman intensities. Monte Carlo simulation results reveal that the ratio of sub‐surface to surface signals improves at geometries other than backscattering. In addition, we demonstrate through simulations the effects of the absorption and scattering coefficients of the layers, and that of the diameter of the excitation beam. The advantage of collecting light from all possible 4π angles, over other collection modes, is that this technique is not geometry specific and molecular identification of layers underneath non‐transparent surfaces can be obtained with minimal interference from the surface layer. To what extent all sides of the object will contribute to the total signal will depend on the absorption and scattering coefficients and the physical dimensions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Production of Fine Particles from Melts of Metals or Highly Viscous Fluids by ultrasonic standing wave atomization

Ultrasonic standing wave atomization (USWA) is a new process capable of atomizing both high surface energy liquids and highly viscous liquids. Atomization is achieved through acoustic forces acting upon a liquid jet which is guided into the central pressure node of a standing wave field. Spherical metal powders with minimum mass median diameters of less than 15 μm have been produced from metal melts with surface tensions of about 0.5 N/m. Organic liquids with viscosities between 1 and 10 Pas have been atomized, yielding mass median diameters from 20 to 330 μm. The influence of different operating parameters on the mass median diameter of metal melts and highly viscous liquids was evaluated. Parameters which were varied were ambient gas pressure, vibration amplitude of the transducers, mass flow rate, density of liquid, viscosity of the liquid, surface tension and the outlet diameter. The powders and sprays were analyzed with laser diffraction particle sizers. The physical background of the atomization process is discussed and an equation for the prediction of the mass median diameter is derived.     

Electronic structure of semiconductor surfaces

Our present understanding of the electronic structure of semiconductor surfaces is reviewed. It is shown that photoemission and inverse photoemission are ideal techniques for probing occupied and unoccupied electronic states, respectively. All quantum numbers of an electron can be determined, i.e., energy, momentum, spin and angular symmetries. For simple systems, such as clean ordered surfaces with a small unit cell it is possible to understand the electronic structure from first-principles calculations. For complex systems, such as encountered during oxidation and dry etching one is restricted to measuring the properties determined by short-range order. Core level spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation is able to determine the oxidation state and the local bonding of surface and interface atoms.     

A Monte Carlo study of surface segregation in alloys

The Monte Carlo method has been applied to the study of surface segregation in a multi-layer, regular solution model of alloy surfaces. Three different alloy configurations have been investigated: semi-infinite slabs, thin films and small particles. The results show that the alloy component with the lowest surface energy tends to segregate to the first three or four surface atom layers and that segregation is greater in clustering alloys than in ordering alloys. Furthermore, segregation is more pronounced in low coordination surfaces, as evidenced by a comparison of {110} and {100}-oriented surfaces of fcc alloys. The degree of surface segregation in thin films and small particles (in the particle size range studied) tends to be smaller than in semi-infinite slabs, because of mass conservation constraints, and decreases with decreasing film thickness and particle size. The results obtained are contrasted with previous calculations and possible avenues for improving surface segregation models are discussed.