The growth and the structure of thin Au films on Ag(111) were studied
by measuring the angular distribution of core-level photoelectrons emi
tted at high kinetic energy using a two-dimensional display-type elect
ron spectrometer. Additional information was obtained by angle-integra
ted photoelectron spectroscopy and by thermal desorption spectrometry
of NO. We find, even at room temperature, intermixing induced by surfa
ce diffusion. This conclusion is corroborated by the study of Au films
deposited on (1-3)-monolayer-high Ag films grown on Pd(111).