Proton-induced Auger electrons from ultrathin Mn films on Fe(100)

Abstract

Ultrathin Mn films are grown on Fe(100) and studied by Auger electrons induced by 25 keV protons scattered under grazing incidence from the film surface. The electron spectra indicate that significant interfacial alloying occurs during growth of the first monolayer. Using model calculations we conclude that about 60% of the Mn atoms deposited have undergone place exchanges with Fe atoms from the substrate interface layer. Subsequent monolayers grow as pure Mn films. These findings are supported by conventional electron-induced Auger electron spectroscopy.