Structural analysis of the Cu(100)–p(32×2)R45°–Sn surface using low and medium energy ion scattering spectroscopies

• Published in: Surface science Vol. 605; no. 23-24; pp. 1934 - 1940
• Main Authors: Walker, M., Brown, M.G., Draxler, M., Dowsett, M.G., McConville, C.F., Noakes, T.C.Q., Bailey, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01-12-2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alloys; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Copper; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Low energy electron diffraction (LEED); Low energy ion scattering (LEIS); Medium energy ion scattering (MEIS); Metallic surfaces; Physics; Tin; Metallic surfaces; Low energy electron diffraction (LEED); Low energy ion scattering (LEIS); Alloys; Medium energy ion scattering (MEIS); Tin; Copper; Inorganic compounds; Transition element compounds; Ion scattering analysis; Ion scattering; Transition elements; LEED; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 0039-6028; 1879-2758
• DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2011.07.004

The atomic structure of the Cu(100)–p(32×2)R45°–Sn surface has been studied using medium energy ion scattering (MEIS), co-axial impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (CAICISS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The p(32×2)R45° reconstruction was observed with LEED following the deposition of 0.42ML of Sn from a Knudsen cell on to the clean Cu(100) surface. The existence of sub-surface Sn atoms was immediately ruled out by the lack of blocking dips in the MEIS Sn scattered yield. Previously reported Sn overlayer and Cu–Sn surface layer alloy models were tested against the medium and low energy ion scattering data, with the best fit realised following structural optimization of the surface alloy model proposed by Pussi [K. Pussi et al., Surf. Sci. 549 (2004) 24]. Different out-of-plane shifts were observed for Sn atoms depending on their proximity to the missing Cu row.
► Deposition of Sn on Cu(100) forms complex reconstructions at submonolayer coverage. ► p(32×2)R45° reconstruction studied with ion scattering and electron diffraction techniques. ► Structure found to be a surface alloy, closely matching the Pussi model.