Residual order within the molten Al(110) surface layer

Abstract

The evolution of thermal disorder on the (110) surface of aluminum is investigated along the $〈11¯0〉$ and $〈001〉$ azimuthal directions in the temperature range between 300 and 910 K by low-energy ion scattering. Surface blocking and channeling mode and neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy are used. Information is gained about the proliferation of point defects and surface roughness below the surface melting point. Surface premelting is observed using a new technique, i.e., investigating the evolution of the channeling peak with temperature. Experimental evidence for residual short-range order is obtained along both azimuths within the quasiliquid layer which probably consists of groups of surface atoms in correlated motion.