Mvr. Murty et al., X-RAY-SCATTERING STUDY OF THE SURFACE-MORPHOLOGY OF AU(111) DURING AR+ ION IRRADIATION, Physical review letters, 80(21), 1998, pp. 4713-4716
Using real-time x-ray scattering to measure the surface morphology of
Au(111) during sputter erosion with 500 eV Ar+ ions, we observe three
distinct regimes: three-dimensional rough erosion at 20-60 degrees C,
quasi-layer-by-layer removal at 120-220 degrees C, and step retraction
above 270 degrees C. Sputtering at 20-60 degrees C leads to pattern f
ormation with a characteristic spacing between features. The average s
eparation l between features increases with time t, consistent with a
power law l similar to t(0.27+/-0.02). The observations are consistent
with the predictions of a continuum model for deposition which includ
es an Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier to the interlayer diffusion of surface
defects.