The orientation nature of multilayer organosilicon compounds has been investigated by
measuring the dependence of the Si K-shell near-edge x-ray absorption fine structures
(NEXAFS) on the polarization angle. Two approaches helped to elucidate the orientation
mechanism: the substitution effect and the deposition-rate dependence. The orientation angles
(α) of Si–X bond axes were obtained for trimethylsilyl halides,
(CH3)3Si–X (X = F,Cl,Br,I,NCO), condensed on Cu(111)
at a low (∼82 K) temperature:
the angles are 60°, 73°,
61°,
55°, and
55° with respect to the
surface normal, for X = F, Cl, Br, I, and NCO, respectively. Chloride
(X = Cl) produces the most parallel tilt angle. The specific orientation nature of chloride is
attributed to its strong dipole moment as well as the regular tetrahedron shape of
the molecule. The molecular volumes calculated verify this view. Furthermore,
deposition rates are found to greatly influence the growth manner: namely, high
deposition rates led to a slightly perpendicular orientation of Si–X bond axis.
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