Interaction of ytterbium nanofilms grown on tungsten substrates with oxygen

The interaction of ytterbium nanofilms evaporated on tungsten substrates with oxygen has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and contact potential difference measurements. It has been shown that at room temperature, no oxide is formed in the above interaction. In place of the oxide, a chemisorbed layer of nondissociated O₂ molecules is formed on the surface of the ytterbium nanofilms. This layer modifies the ytterbium. This modification transforms ytterbium from the divalent state into the trivalent state.