Abstract
High-resolution low-energy electron diffraction (HRLEED), mass spectrometry, and computer simulations using a solid-on-solid model were combined to study the sublimation kinetics of the CdTe(001) surface. The HRLEED spot profile measurements show that specular spot intensity oscillations during sublimation are caused by an only small variation $(\ensuremath{\sim}15%)$ of the step density, and that the step flow contribution dominates the sublimation process. Consequently, two different activation energies were derived from the mass desorption (1.55 eV) and the oscillation frequency of the HRLEED intensity (1.94 eV). These findings are confirmed by computer simulations of the sublimation on irregularly stepped surfaces. These show a mixed sublimation mode with vacancy nucleation (leading to intensity oscillations) only on the largest terraces and step flow otherwise. On the basis of these results, we can explain discrepancies in earlier determined sublimation energies.
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