Photoemission studies of clean and oxidized Nb and Nb3Sn

Abstract

In conjunction with Auger electron spectroscopy measurements, we have developed a procedure for obtaining a clean Nb surface using an electron bombardment heating technique. We have then studied the valence band photoemission as a function of photon energy. We find that calculations for the bulk theoretical density of states are in basic agreement with the ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy data. We have also studied the initial oxidation of the clean Nb surface. Structure in the energy distribution curves suggests three stages in the oxidation process. Furthermore, the valence band energy distribution curves for clean Nb₃Sn prepared ’’in situ’’ were measured and showed a strong resemblance to pure Nb as has been observed previously in x‐ray photoemission. Evidence is found for the existence of Nb₂O₅ and SnO₂ in the surface oxides of Nb₃Sn.