Study of the Au(110) surface lattice structure by Rutherford backscattering

Abstract

The ion backscattering surface peak yield at 180° has been measured for 0.6 MeV, 1.0 MeV and 2.0 MeV He+ incident upon the <110> and <112> directions of a (110)Au single crystal at temperatures ranging between 40 K and 800 K. Based on the experimental results, a modified (1x2) surface structure for (110)Au has been calculated in this range of temperatures and incident ion energies, by a single string Monte Carlo simulation that includes the effects of enhanced vibrations in the surface layers and vibration correlations. A theoretical description of the backscatter yield at 180° is given. The calculated modified (1x2) surface structure is in agreement with observations in the 40 K to 500 K range.