X-ray photoemission study ofMgB2

Abstract
A c-axis oriented thin film and a high-density sintered pellet of MgB2 have been studied by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and compared to measurements from MgO and MgF2 single crystals. The as-grown surface has a layer which is Mg-rich and oxidized, which is effectively removed by a nonaqueous etchant. The subsurface region of the pellet is Mg deficient. This nonideal near-surface region may explain varied scanning tunneling spectroscopy results. The MgB2 core level and Auger signals are similar to measurements from metallic Mg and transition-metal diborides, and the measured valence band is consistent with the calculated density of states.