Dependence of the atomic structure and surface relief of platinum foils on the annealing and rolling conditions

The effect of cold rolling, polishing, and thermal annealing conditions on the atomic structure and surface geometry of platinum foils has been studied. The surface morphology has been analyzed using low-energy electron diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The chemical composition of the surface has been evaluated by Auger electron spectroscopy. It has been demonstrated that a variation in the conditions used for the preparation of the samples makes it possible to produce surfaces with different degrees of perfection from atomically smooth to rippled, fractal, and diffraction-disordered surfaces.