Abstract
Aluminum layers of some nanometers thickness have been deposited onto α-SiC crystals and studied by x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies as a function of annealing temperature. Annealing beyond 600 °C induces a complete disappearance of metallic Al on the crystal surface, penetration of Al into the bulk, and formation of aluminum carbide. Ultraviolet photoemission spectra recorded after annealing at 360 °C could be explained by a beginning of interfacial reaction. However, there is no clear experimental evidence that reaction occurs at such a low temperature.