NEW INFORMATION ON THE SUBLIMATING CDTE(001) SURFACE FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION LEED

The sublimation of the CdTe(001) surface (greater than or equal to 300 degrees C) was investigated by high-resolution low energy electron di ffraction (HRLEED). From intensity oscillations of the specular diffra ction spot as a function of time and energy we deduce a periodic varia tion of the step density, in agreement with the interpretation of earl ier reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) data within th e step density model. However, our quantitative profile analysis shows that the relative change of the step density is only very small (appr oximate to 15%). Thus the dominant contribution to the total desorptio n flux is due to step-flow, but not due to layer-by-layer sublimation. An important and general consequence is that absolute values of subli mation rates cannot be determined from intensity oscillation periods a lone. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.