Surface analysis by surface channeling using ion induced Auger electron emission

Single crystal surfaces can be analyzed by spectroscopy of Auger electrons induced by ions channeled at the crystal surface. This new experimental technique has been applied to the system Ni(110)-oxygen and the results have been compared with computer simulations. It has been found that at a coverage of 0.5 monolayers of oxygen the nickel surface is reconstructed (2x1), where every second Ni[001] row is shifted aside into the position of the [001] row immediately above, forming an asymmetrical saw-tooth shaped profile. The oxygen atoms reside in a long bridge position 25 pm above the topmost Ni[001] rows of the reconstructed surface. (orig.)