Exoelectron Emission from a Clean, Annealed Magnesium Single Crystal During Oxygen Adsorption

Abstract

Exoelectron emission has been observed from a clean, annealed Mg (0001) surface during oxygen and chlorine adsorption at pressures of 6.5×10⁻⁵ N/m² and lower. The studies were performed in an ultrahigh vacuum system. The crystals were cleaned by argon ion bombardment and annealed, at 300 C. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to verify cleanliness, and low energy electron diffraction was used to verify that the surface was annealed. The emission was found to be oxygen arrival rate dependent. Two peaks were observed in the electron emission with exposure. Evidence is presented that the formation of the second peak corresponds to oxidation of the Mg surface. No emission was observed from clean aluminum during adsorption. The results verify that electron emission occurs from a strain free surface simply upon adsorption of oxygen. A qualitative explanation for the mechanisms of emission in terms of chemical effects is presented.