In Situ Electron Microscopy Studies of Surface Dynamical Processes

Abstract

To obtain a full and detailed understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of surface processes such as epitaxial growth, strain relaxation, phase transformations and phase transitions, chemisorption and etching, in situ real-time observations have proven to be invaluable. The development of two experimental techniques, i.e. Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM) typically operating at electron energies below 10 eV, and Ultra-High-Vacuum Transmission Electron Microscopy (UHV-TEM) at several 100 keV, has made such in situ studies routinely possible. In many cases, the videodata obtained from such experiments are amenable to detailed, quantitative analysis, yielding statistical, kinetic and thermodynamic information that cannot be obtained in any other way. I will discuss recent experimental developments, including the design and construction of a new and improved LEEM instrument. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of this new machine. There are several features that distinguishes this design from most other LEEMs. One is the use of a 90 degree deflection magnetic prism array,