Investigation of the interaction of gadolinium with the (0001) surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at the initial stages of the deposition

The electronic and atomic structures of the interface formed upon depositio n of Gd onto (0001) surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) ha ve been studied by, electron spectroscopy. It was found thai; during deposi tion at 20 and 300 K, Gd/BOPG interface reproduces atomic structure of HOPG (0001) surface up to 5-7 ML thicknesses. The analysis of the interface by Auger electron spectroscopy favors a quasi layer-by-layer Gd growth onto HO PG. Annealing of the interface at temperatures up to 1200-1300 K leads to t he formation of a stable Gd-C carbide-like system.