Determination of Auger sensitivity factors for Al-rich quasicrystals

Citation
Cj. Jenks et al., Determination of Auger sensitivity factors for Al-rich quasicrystals, APPL SURF S, 180(1-2), 2001, pp. 57-64
Citations number
51
Categorie Soggetti
Apllied Physucs/Condensed Matter/Materiales Science","Material Science & Engineering
Journal title
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
ISSN journal
01694332 → ACNP
Volume
180
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
57 - 64
Database
ISI
SICI code
0169-4332(20010801)180:1-2<57:DOASFF>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
We discuss and compare approaches to using Auger data for semi-quantitative determination of surface compositions of Al-based quasicrystals. We have e xamined two quasicrystalline phases: icosahedral Al-Cu-Fe and Al-Pd-Mn. We find that sensitivity factors obtained from pure elemental standards lead t o underestimation of concentrations by as much as a factor of 2.5 for the m inor constituents, Fe and Mn, and to overestimation by as much as a factor of 1.2 for the major constituent, Al. Surprisingly, calibration with a crys talline phase close in composition to the quasicrystal does not necessarily lead to more accurate results. Auger analyses of fractured surfaces, which are then compared to bulk analyses, is the best option for sensitivity fac tor calibration. Even without absolute calibration of sensitivity factors, however, surface analysis is extremely useful for detection of secondary ph ases, and is superior to common bulk analysis methods. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.