Local structure investigations of carbon by surface extended energy loss fine structure

Abstract

Surface extended energy loss fine structure (SEELFS) spectroscopy has been used to determine structural parameters for several different forms of carbon. A standard Auger electron spectrometer (double pass cylindrical mirror analyser) was used to obtain energy loss spectra. First shell coordination numbers and bond lengths were obtained for single crystal diamond, pyrolytic graphite, and “Aquadag” (graphite particle suspension) samples. The study of pure carbon surfaces allowed us to probe the limitations on the determination of bond lengths and coordination. The validity of some of the theoretical assumptions is also discussed.