The decomposition of SiCl4 on Si(LOO) surfaces was studied with electr
on-stimulated desorption (ESD) of positive and negative atomic chlorin
e species in conjunction with Auger electron spectroscopy and thermal
desorption spectroscopy over the temperature range 120-200 K. Changes
of ion yield, particularly the relative signals of positive and negati
ve ions, are shown to offer a very sensitive monitor of adsorbate form
s and decomposition processes at the surface.