Ion scattering spectrometry: A versatile technique for a variety of materials

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Abstract
The extraordinary surface sensitivity of low energy ion scattering spectrometry may be applied to the characterization of a wide variety of materials. On the one hand, the surface chemistry may be determined, using ion scattering spectrometry for engineering materials used in diverse technologies such as lubrication and adhesive bonding; such surface chemistry, perhaps involving only a few monolayers, may govern the success or failure of a process. On the other hand, ion scattering spectrometry is also useful in investigating the chemistry and physical and electronic structure of single crystals. The presence of fine features in the spectra enable shadowing and selective neutralization effects to be observed. Striking spectral features are seen in III–V, II–VI, and I–VII compounds. Scattered ion yield curves show a potential for the use of ion scattering spectrometry to determine bonding and electronic structure in some elements. In addition, conventional scattering experiments may be used to determine subtle elemental changes on crystal faces having different orientations. Adsorption‐desorption characteristics of different orientations may also be studied in conjunction with the complementary secondary ion mass spectrometry technique.