Abstract
The oxidation of TaSi2 and Ta2Si surfaces prepared under ultrahigh vacuum conditions has been studied by x‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. For both silicides, Si and Ta oxides comprise the native oxide formed at room temperature. Annealing at 550 °C induces a solid state reaction within the native oxide. Ta2O5 is partially decomposed, and the liberated oxygen bonds to Si. This reaction and the influence of the silicide stoichiometry are discussed.