The SnO 2(1 1 0)(4 × 1) structure determined by LEED intensity analysis

Abstract

The (4×1) reconstruction of the SnO 2(1 1 0) surface has been determined by means of low energy electron diffraction (LEED) intensity analysis. The (4×1) reconstruction was obtained by annealing at 1000 K the ion bombarded SnO 2(1 1 0) surface. The intensity versus accelerating voltage ( I– V) curves measured for this surface were compared with calculations performed using the tensor LEED method. As a reference structure, we used the model proposed on the basis of the STM images obtained for the SnO 2(1 1 0)(4×1) superstructure. This model consists of an ordered array of oxygen vacancies in the topmost mixed oxygen–tin layer. The results of the present analysis confirm the STM model. Moreover, we found a buckling in the first layer and lateral displacements of the atoms with respect to the ideal positions around the oxygen vacancies.