The effects of oxygen adsorption on the positive secondary ion yield of stainless steel

Abstract

The positive secondary ion yields of Fe and Cr in 301 stainless steel vs oxygen exposure are studied using secondary ion mass spectrometry. It is shown that there are large amounts of Fe in the surface layer, although it is enriched with Cr. Both elements readily and reversibly form surface oxides. Furthermore, it is shown that the absolute elemental yields cannot be used to calculate alloy compositions at the present time.