Influence of the ferroelastic twin domain structure on the {100} surface morphology of LaAlO3 HTSC substrates

LaAlO₃ crystals have been investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high-precision X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning force microscopy (SFM). The DSC measurements show the second-order phase transition of LaAlO₃ at 544°C, where LaAlO₃ changes its symmetry from the cubic Pm3m high-temperature phase to the pseudocubic rhombohedral low-temperature phase. This paraelastic to improper ferroelastic phase transition causes twinning in the {100} and {110} planes of the pseudocubic lattice. The twin angles between the surface {100}_pseudocubic planes of twin domains were measured by SFM on the surface of a macroscopic (100)_cubic cut crystal plate. The misorientation angle ω₁₀₀ between {100} twins is 0.195(8)°, while {110} twinning gives an angle of ω₁₁₀=0.276(7)°. The two twin kink angles correspond to a rhombohedral angle of the pseudocubic cell of the phase as ₁=90.0973(40)° and ₂=90.0975(30)°, respectively. The XRD result for this rhombohedral angle is =90.096(1)°. The orientation of the misfit steps formed during annealing after mechanical surface polishing depends on the domain orientation and pattern during polishing. Any heating close to or above T_c changes the domain pattern. Footprints of previous domain patterns can thus be found on the surface in the form of surface corrugation and changes in the shape and orientation of misfit steps.     

Strain-induced disordering of metal surfaces: rapid laser heating of Rh{111} and Rh{332}

Laser-induced disordering of clean and adsorbate covered rhodium surfaces has been studied by LEED and by laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) of deuterium. Excimer laser (308 nm) pulses with 120 ns duration and intensities between 35 and 85 MW cm⁻² were applied, covering a regime commonly used in LITD studies. Rh{111} is more resistant to disordering than Rh{332], a surface made up of six-atom-wide {111} terraces separated by monatomic steps, consistent with a decrease in the activation energy for disordering due to steps from 59 to 39 kJ mol⁻¹. Onset temperatures for disordering are estimated as 954 K ({111}) and 700 K ({332}). No “protective” effect was found for adsorbate monolayers of oxygen and carbon monoxide. A simple stress-strain model provides an understanding of elastic and plastic deformation during short pulse laser heating and rapid cooling. Some guidelines for reducing damage in LITD experiments are given.     

X-ray diffraction studies of epitaxy in orthorhombic- DyMnO3/Er1Ba2Cu3O7-δ thin film heterostructures on LaAlO3 (100) substrates

The heteroepitaxy in DyMnO₃/Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ bilayer thin films on LaAlO₃ (100) substates was characterized by four-circle X-ray diffractometry. The Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ thin films on LaAlO₃ (100) substrates were prepared by molecular-beam deposition (MBD) and post-growth annealing in wet and dry O₂ at 880°C, whereas the DyMnO₃ thin films on the Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ/LaAlO₃ (100) heterostructure were deposited by MBD and post-growth annealing in dry O₂ at 750°C. The conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns as well as pole figures (φ-scans) for specific (hkl) reflections were acquired. The Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ thin film in the DyMnO₃/Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ/LaAlO₃ (100) heterostructure showed [001] oriented epitaxial growth, as expected. The DyMnO₃ thin film on the Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ epilayer in the heterostructure grew with (110) epitaxy in its metastable orthorhombic phase (lattice constants: a_o=5.272 Å, b_o=5.795 Å and c_o=7.38 Å). The heteroepitaxial relationships at the orthorhombic-DyMnO O₃ (110) /Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ (001) interface was determined as the following: DyMnO₃ (110) Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ (001), DyMnO₃ [1 0] ¶r; Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ[100] or Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ[010], and DyMnO₃ [001] ¶r; Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O _7-δ[010] or Er₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-δ [100].     

Defect induced surface chemistry: A comparison of the adsorption and thermal decomposition of C2H4 on Rh{111} and Rh{331}

The adsorption and thermal decomposition of C₂H₂ on Rh{111} is compared to the atomically stepped Rh{331} surface over a temperature range of 300 to 800 K. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) we find that the C 1s spectra as a function of C₂H₄ exposure exhibit a shift in binding energy (E_b) from 283.5 eV at 1 L C₂H₄ exposure on both surfaces to 283.8 eV on Rh{33 and to 284.1 eV on Rh{111} at saturation coverage (4 L). Careful analysis of the C 1s E_b value and full width at half maximum as a function of surface temperature after a 10 L exposure of C₂H₄ at 300 K reveals that a species consistent with a C₂H adsorbate composition is formed between 400 and 450 K on Rh{111}. This species is also observed on Rh{331} although at the lower temperature of 375 K. Computer peak deconvolution of the C 1s spectra between 500 and 700 K suggests that a CH_ads or C_ads surface fragment is formed and increases in concentration at the expense of the C₂H species as the surface temperature increases. Above 750 K a graphite overlayer is formed on both surfaces. This overlayer, however, exhibits a low degree of carbon π-character bonding on Rh{331}. The adsorption and decomposition mechanisms suggest that the 300 K C₂H₄ adsorbate on Rh{331} is ethylidyne and that the stepped surface is more thermally reactive than the flat Rh{111} surface.     

Study of ultrathin Fe films on Pd{111)}, Ag{111} and A1{111}

The growth of epitaxial Fe films of 1 to 10 layer equivalents (LE) on Pd{111}, Al{111} and Ag{111} has been studied with quantitative low-energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. On Pd{111}, both at room temperature and at 200° C, the growth starts with pseudomorphic layers which may involve intermixing of Fe and Pd. At both temperatures, when the coverage reaches 6 LE, the Fe films develop into large bcc {110} domains related to the substrate by the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation. On Ag{111} Fe grows initially in a very similar manner to Fe on Ag{001}, i.e., by way of small islands of bcc Fe. These islands then grow into bcc Fe{110} domains in the Nishiyama-Wassennan orientation. On Al{111} Fe behaves differently, despite the fact that the lattice mismatch for Fe on A1{111} is nearly identical to that for Fe on Ag{111}: for coverages of less than 1 LE the surface region becomes completely disordered and no LEED pattern is visible.     

Chemisorption and reactivity of furan on Pd{111}

XPS, HREELS, ARUPS and Δø data show that furan chemisorbs non-dissociatively on Pd{111} at 175 K, the molecular plane being significantly tilted with respect to the surface normal. Bonding involves both the oxygen lone pair and significant π interaction with the substrate. The degree of decomposition that accompanies molecular desorption is a strong function of coverage: 40% of the adsorbate desorbs molecularly from the saturated monolayer. Decomposition occurs via decarbonylation to yield CO_a and H_a followed by desorption rate limited loss of H₂ and CO. It seems probable that an adsorbed C₃H₃ species formed during this process undergoes subsequent stepwise dehydrogenation ultimately yielding H₂ and C_a.     

Steps, ledges and kinks on the surfaces of platinum nanoparticles of different shapes

Platinum nanoparticles with a high percentage of cubic-, tetrahedral- and octahedral-like shapes, respectively, have been synthesized by a shape-controlling technique that we developed recently [Ahmadi et al., Science 272 (June 1996) 1924]. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is used here to directly image the atomic scale structures of the surfaces of these particles with different shapes. The truncated shapes of these particles are mainly defined by the {100}, {111}, and {110} facets, on which numerous atom-high surface steps, ledges and kinds have been observed. This atomic-scale fine structure of the surfaces of these particles is expected to play a critical role in their catalytic activity and selectivity.     

Auger electron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy studies on carbonization of Si(100) and (111) surfaces with ethylene

The reactions of Si(100) and Si(111) surfaces at 700 °C (973 K) with ethylene (C₂H₄) at a pressure of 1.3×10⁻⁴ Pa for various periods of time were studied by using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (ELS). For a C₂H₄ exposure level, the amount of C on the (111) surface was larger than that on the (100) surface. The formation of β-SiC grain was deduced by comparing the C_KLL spectra from the sample subjected to various C₂H₄ exposure levels, and from β-SiC crystal.     

Atomic and electronic structure of steps and kinks on MgO(100) and MgO(110)

The electronic and atomic structure of vicinal MgO surfaces are studied using a quantum self-consistent method associated with a geometry optimization code. 10n, (n + 1)0n and n1n surfaces, with periodic monoatomic steps separating {001} or {101} terraces, are considered. Diatomic steps along the {10n} orientation and periodic kinks on the {3 1 10} surface are also modelled. We assign most electronic peculiarities of stepped surfaces to the values of the Madelung potential acting on the under-coordinated atoms, which is a function of their first and second coordination numbers. An analytical model is proposed to explain the bond contractions around these atoms. Finally the microscopic contributions to the step energy are discussed, together with the strength of the step interaction as a function of their separation.     

Coverage dependent promoter action: K coadsorption and reactions with CO and CO2 on Pd{1 1 0}

The adsorption of CO and CO₂ on K-predosed Pd{1 1 0} at room temperature has been examined via reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). CO₂ adsorbs on 0.37 ML K-predosed Pd{1 1 0} with high sticking probability and a reactive chemisorbed intermediate, CO₂⁻, is detected in RAIRS at room temperature. Reaction of this species ultimately yields carbonate. The same high K precoverage induces dissociation of CO at low CO exposure. Carbonate is detected at higher CO exposure and is probably produced via stepwise oxidation of molecularly adsorbed CO. In contrast at low K precoverage (0.11 ML), CO remains intact but the C–O bond is considerably weakened with respect to CO chemisorbed on clean Pd{1 1 0}. These findings illustrate a dual promoter mechanism of K in the adsorption and reaction of CO or CO₂ at high K coverage. The alkali metal induces dissociation of these molecules and directly participates in the formation of a surface compound, K₂CO₃.     

O2 interaction with Pt{100}-hex-R0.7°: scattering, sticking and saturating

The interaction of oxygen with the Pt{100}-hex-R0.7° surface has been studied using supersonic molecular beams at incident translational energies from 0.06 to 0.9 eV and surface temperatures from 300 to 600 K. Scattering measurements show the existence of both intrinsic and extrinsic precursor states, and the trapping probability into these states is high at low incident energies. However, sticking probability measurements on the clean surface indicate that O₂ dissociative adsorption on Pt{100}-hex-R0.7° is a direct activated process, in contrast to that on Pt{100}-(1 × 1) or Pt{111}. Strong temperature enhancement of the initial sticking probability has been observed and accounted for partly by a dynamical barrier model. The sticking probability varies strongly with oxygen coverage, which is explained through computer simulations of island formation. The formation of small islands is demonstrated by TEAS measurements. Thermal desorption measurements show that, at high incident energies above 0.5 eV, new states are populated and higher coverages, up to a full monolayer, are reached.     

Imaging benzene on nickel and copper {110} surfaces with low temperature STM:: the adsorption site

Single benzene molecules have been imaged on the {110} surfaces of both copper and nickel with an Eigler-type low temperature scanning tunnelling microscope. Conditions were chosen such that the molecule and the lattice atoms could be resolved at the same time within one image frame. On Ni{110} benzene was found to adsorb in the hollow site between the close-packed rows. For the more weakly bound molecule on Cu{110} the imaging conditions had to be changed since, for the tunnelling conditions under which the lattice atoms are resolved, a strong interaction between the tip and the benzene takes place. This results in the molecule being “dragged” along the surface. By changing the tunnelling conditions within one image frame, however, it is possible via extrapolation of the substrate lattice to show that the molecule adsorbs in the long-bridge site. The shapes of the images of individual molecules are discussed.     

Elemental steps in the growth of thin β-Ga2O3 films on CoGa(1 0 0)

The oxidation of CoGa(1 0 0) at 700 K was studied by means of high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). At 700 K, thin well-ordered β-Ga₂O₃ films grow on CoGa(1 0 0). The EEL spectrum of the Ga-oxide films exhibit Fuchs–Kliewer phonons at 305, 455, 645, and 785 cm⁻¹. For low oxygen exposure (<0.2 L), the growth of oxide-islands starts at step edges and on defects. The oxide films have the shape of long, rectangular islands and are oriented in the [1 0 0] and [0 1 0] directions of the substrate. For higher oxygen exposure, islands of β-Ga₂O₃ are found also on the terraces. After an exposure of 200 L O₂ at 700 K, the CoGa(1 0 0) surface is homogeneously covered with a thin film of β-Ga₂O₃.     

Atomistic structure of stepped surfaces

Atomistic computer simulation with embedded atom method (EAM) interatomic forces was used to study the structure of surface steps on the {111} unreconstructed surface in fcc metallic materials. The energetics and local atomic relaxation behavior of ledges parallel to the 110 direction were studied using a potential describing lattice properties of Au. The vacancy formation energies in the stepped surfaces was also studied, and it was found that the energy of formation of a vacancy in a terrace is the same as that in the perfect unstepped surface. This value is 30% lower than that of the bulk. The vacancy formation energy in the ledge is reduced by a factor of two with respect to that of the terraces. The structure of the “up ledge” (A step) is different from the “down ledge” (B step). These differences do not significantly affect the energy of the ledges, although they do affect the vacancy formation energies in sites in the second surface layer near the ledge. The implications of the results for the formation of kinks and the general structure of high index surfaces are discussed.     

Modification of UO2 crystal morphologies through hydroxylation

Atomic scale computer simulation is used to predict the surface energies of UO₂, subject to different hydroxide coverages. It was found that the {1 1 1} surface dominates dry UO₂, resulting in an octahedral morphology. However, the {1 0 0} surfaces were strongly stabilized by hydroxylation relative to the {1 1 1} surfaces. Consequently, even a modest hydroxylation of 30% substantially truncates the octahedron crystal morphology, and a fully cubic morphology is predicted at 80% hydroxide coverage.     

Computer simulations of ion scattering and recoiling blocking patterns for surface structure analysis

A three-dimensional classical ion trajectory simulation code has been developed and applied to ion scattering and recoiling patterns on a large-area detector. The test systems used for the patterns were as follows: (1) Pt{110})-(1 × 2) and −(1 × 3) as an example of a reconstructed metal surface; (2) Ni{100}, {110}, and {111} surfaces as an example of different crystal faces: and (3) Ni{110}−(2 × 1)−O as an example of adsorbate recoiling. The optimum experimental configurations for collecting data for structural analysis have been considered. Three configurations have been identified; these include collection of both in- and out-of-plane scattering and recoiling data. The anisotropic patterns obtained for the scattered I_S, and recoiled I_R flux in azimuthal δ and exit β angle space are produced by blocking cones and are unique for the specific substrate and adsorbate structures. Critical exit β_c and azimuthal δ_c angles can be identified from these patterns. The interatomic spacings d along specific azimuths are determined from measurements of β_c and δ_c. Simulated patterns for the three test systems listed above are presented and their features are analyzed in terms of the surface structures. The advantages and new features available through the use of large-area detectors are described and compared to conventional ion scattering spectrometry (ISS). In the case of Pt, for which comparable experimental scattering data are available, the agreement between simulations and experimental results is good.     

The adsorbate-induced removal of the Pt{100} surface reconstruction Part I: NO

The molecular adsorption of NO on both the reconstructed (hex) and unreconstructed (1 × 1) surfaces of Pt{100} has been studied using a combination of infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) at temperatures between 90 and 300 K. On the (1 × 1) surface at 300 K adsorbed NO gives rise to an N-O stretching band at initially 1596 cm⁻¹ shifting to 1641 cm⁻¹ at a coverage of θ = 0.5. The LEED pattern at this coverage is interpreted in terms of a c(4 × 2) structure in which all the molecules occupy a single type of adsorption site between the on-top and bridge positions. At temperatures below 300 K, a higher coverage disordered phase is observed, giving rise to an N-O stretching band at 1680 cm⁻¹ associated with an on-top NO species. On the (hex) phase surface above 210 K, NO adsorption gives rise to bands characteristic of adsorption on the (1 × 1) phase indicating that the reconstruction is immediately lifted. Below 200 K initial adsorption actually occurs directly on the (hex) phase, resulting in a band at 1680 cm⁻¹, which is assigned to on-top NO. This band increases in intensity until, at a critical coverage dependent on temperature, the (hex) → (1 × 1) surface phase transition is induced. This is indicated by the disappearance of the band at 1680 cm⁻¹ and its replacement by bands characteristic of adsorption on islands of the (1 × 1) structure.     

Observation of sputtering damage on Au(111)

The morphology of a Au(111) surface has been observed with the STM (scanning tunneling microscope) after ion bombardment with 2.5 keV Ne⁺ ions at about 400 K. Mostly triangular and hexagonal shaped vacancy islands are seen in the STM topographs. They are bounded by monatomic steps, oriented along the closed packed 110 directions. The general morphology confirms the conclusions inferred from TEAS (thermal energy atom scattering) measurements on ion bombarded Pt(111) surfaces. The observation of a propensity for the formation of {100} microfacetted 110 ledges is discussed.     

The structure of the surface compound CrN formed by cosegregation on a Fe–15%Cr–N(100) single crystal surface

Cosegregation is known to cause the formation of two-dimensional chemical compounds (surface compounds) which can be epitaxed to substrate surfaces of a suitable structure. In the present work the cosegregation-induced formation of the CrN surface compound on nitrided Fe–15%Cr–N(100) single crystal surfaces was studied by means of Auger electron spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. Intensity versus energy spectra (I(E)) were measured and analysed fully dynamically to investigate the structural details of the CrN surface compound. It is found that nitrogen is segregated to the surface forming the sample's top layer and substantial amounts of chromium are cosegregated with nitrogen. Nitrogen atoms reside in four-fold symmetric hollow sites about 0.1 Å above the metallic substrate. There is a huge relative expansion of the distance between the first and second metal atom layers (Δd₁₂/d₀≈26%), while the distances between deeper layers are almost bulk-like. The small distance between the nitrogen and the top metal layer as well as the huge layer expansion Δd₁₂/d₀ are in agreement with results found for N/Cr(100).     

The structure of C60 and endohedral C60 on the Si{1 0 0} surface

The possible structures of C₆₀ on the Si{1 0 0} surface in the four dimer position over the dimer trench have been investigated using ab initio total energy minimisations. Four possible structures have been found. The fullerenes bond to the silicon surface by breaking carbon–carbon double bonds. One electron from the broken bond is contributed to the carbon–silicon bond. The second electron is involved in forming a new π-bond within the fullerene cage. The carbon–silicon bond is primarily covalent with some charge transfer. Some discussion of endohedral fullerenes is also given.