LEED study of the (111) surface of β-rhombohedral boron

Abstract
The LEED pattern characteristic of a regular structure of the (111) surface of β‐rhombohedral boron was obtained after heating at temperatures higher than 1400 °C. As indicated by Auger spectroscopy, this treatment is sufficient to eliminate oxygen and carbon, the main impurities present on the initial surface. A small amount of nitrogen remains on the surface. The LEED pattern observed in these conditions is in agreement with the unit mesh of the bulk (111) planes.