The growth, structure, melting and solidification of lead deposits on molybdenite and carbon substrates

Abstract

Deposits of lead have been grown by evaporation at pressures of ca. 10$^{-8}$ Torr and observed directly in the modified electron microscope described by Valdre et al. (1970). The growth of epitaxial films on MoS$_{2}$ substrates and polycrystalline deposits on amorphous carbon substrates is described and discussed. Liquid deposits have been grown at substrate temperatures well below the bulk melting point of lead. The melting of solid films and solidification of liquid droplets is described and the factors which control these processes are discussed. It is shown that electron irradiation can have a pronounced effect on the nucleation of both solid and liquid lead grown on the two substrate materials used.