Surface Characterization of Clean Gd₅Ge₄(010)

Abstract

Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Gd5Ge 4(010) does not show evidence of surface segregation. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals two types of terraces which alternate laterally on the surface. From the step heights, these two surface terminations are assigned as dense, Gd-pure layers in the bulk structure. There is evidence of reconstruction on one type of terrace. KeywordsPhotoelectrons, scanning tunneling microscopy, surface segregation, quasicrystal, alloy, Material Science and Engineering Disciplines Chemistry | Materials Science and Engineering Comments AbstractBased on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Gd 5 Ge 4 (010) does not show evidence of surface segregation. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals two types of terraces which alternate laterally on the surface. From the step heights, these two surface terminations are assigned as dense, Gd-pure layers in the bulk structure. There is evidence of reconstruction on one type of terrace.