Directional Auger electron spectroscopy and single-scattering cluster calculations study of the Ni(111)-Pb system

Abstract

The crystalline structure of ultrathin Pb layers deposited on the Ni111 surface in ultrahigh vacuum was investigated with the use of directional Auger peak electron spectroscopy DAES. Experimental DAES data recorded for the primary electron beam energies in the range 1.2– 2.2 keV were compared with theoretical profiles obtained with the use of single-scattering cluster calculations for clean and covered Ni111. Similar intensity maxima reflecting the crystalline structure of the Ni111 sample were observed on experimental and theoretical profiles. Results obtained after deposition of 4 ML of Pb on Ni111 at the substrate temperature T = 150 K exhibit intensity maxima corresponding to two mutually rotated Pb111 domains. The populations of two possible Pb domains were determined by an R-factor analysis. The growth of one domain was found to be preferred, which can be rationalized by the miscut of the Ni111 sample and the resulting step orientation.