The electron stimulated oxidation of indium in a vacuum

Abstract

Auger electron spectroscopy was used to study electron stimulated adsorption from residual ultra-high vacuum medium on the atomically pure surface of indium. In the absence of irradiation of the surface of indium by a beam of electrons, adsorption processes were much weaker or almost absent. Electron stimulation considerably increased the rate of adsorption. Irradiation by electrons caused the dissociation of the adsorbate; as a result, a layer of carbon formed on the surface of indium. The conclusion is drawn that, in modeling electron stimulated adsorption, not only electronic excitation and/or dissociation of molecules in the gas phase, but also the excitation of surface particles or adsorbent defects should be taken into account.