Abstract
We report x-ray reflectivity measurements of liquid mercury between {minus}36thinsp{degree}C and +25thinsp{degree}C. The surface structure can be described by a layered density profile convolved with a thermal roughness {sigma}{sub T}. The layering has a spacing of 2.72 {Angstrom} and an exponential decay length of 5.0 {Angstrom}. Surprisingly, {sigma}{sub T} is found to increase considerably faster with temperature than the {radical} (T) behavior predicted by capillary wave theory, in contrast with previous measurements on Ga and dielectric liquids. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Highlights
We report x-ray reflectivity measurements of liquid mercury between Ϫ36 °C and ϩ25 °C
The surface structure can be described by a layered density profile convolved with a thermal roughness T
Metallic liquids exhibit a more complex surface structure in which the atoms are stratified parallel to the liquid-vapor interface in layers that persist into the bulk for a few atomic diameters
Summary
In previous comparisons of the x-ray reflectivity of liquid Hg and Ga,[9] two important differences were identified Reflectivities for both metals exhibit quasi-Bragg peaks indicative of surface layering, the Hg data have a minimum at low-momentum transfer (qzϷ0.6 ÅϪ1) not found in Gasee Fig. 2 in Ref. 9͒. Hg oxide is expected to decompose due to the low oxygen partial pressure in this pseudo-UHV environment.[14] In addition, we observe a continuous evaporation and recondensation of Hg, constantly renewing the Hg surface.[15] The resulting Hg surface was stable, as determined by x-ray reflectivity, for 11 days In both chambers, a copper cold finger extended from the bottom of the sample pan into a liquid nitrogen dewar.
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