Multilayer relaxation of Ni(110) analysed by LEED and metric distances

Abstract

A two-layer relaxation analysis of a very large LEED experimental database is performed on the Ni(110) surface. Among the important features used in this analysis the authors emphasise the metric distances between experimental and theoretical spectra required to reach the best model, and an energy-dependent optical potential that is similar to the local excited-state potential of the Hedin-Lundquist type recently used for a LEED study of Cu(111). The first interlayer spacing is contracted by 8.4+or-0.8% while the second is expanded by 3.1+or-1%. This oscillatory relaxation of the interlayer spacing found on the Ni(110) surface is very similar to what has been reported for Al(110) and Cu(110) and confirms this general trend of FCC(110) faces. The question remains open, however, for BCC(100) faces.