Structure analysis of the KBr(100) surface - An investigation with a new method for surface analysis of insulators

The surface structure of highly insulating KBr(100) was investigated by a n ew technique, impact collision atom scattering spectroscopy with detection of neutrals (NICASS). By using neutral atoms in the scattering experiment a s projectiles [different from conventional ion scattering (ISS)], uncertain ties in the experimental data due to surface charging effects are avoided. As a result, a surface structure model for KBr(100) is presented. By compar ing the experimental scattering information with computer simulated data, a n inward relaxation in the first layer has been deduced. The relaxation is different for the two components K and Br: K is shifted by 0.5 Angstrom and Br by 0.3 Angstrom, resulting in a surface rumpling of 0.2 Angstrom. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.