Surface composition analyses of Co–Ni alloys under Ar+ ion bombardment by AES and ISS: A possible standard sample for surface chemical analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe change in surface composition of Co(50.4 at.%)–Ni alloy under Ar+ ion bombardment was investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). The surface concentrations were estimated by employing a spectrum synthesis method, since the Co and Ni signals in both AES and ISS spectra overlap each other. The results based on the quantifications by AES and ISS have indicated that the composition of the Co–Ni alloy surface under Ar+ ion bombardment is the same as the bulk composition within the accuracy in quantification, leading to the conclusion that ion bombardment does not cause surface composition change in the Co–Ni alloy. This supports the proposal that the Co–Ni alloy system is an appropriate reference material for surface chemical analysis.