Observation of the MgO(100) Surface Cleaved in the Different Atmospheres using Electron Stimulated Desorption

Abstract

The electron stimulated desorption (ESD) ions from the MgO(100) surface cleaved in the methanol were observed by the Quadrupole Mass Spectroscopy (QMS). Also, the angular distributions of the desorbed ions by electron incidence were observed by Time of Flight (TOF) method. In comparison to the results of MgO surfaces cleaved in water and nitrogen atmospheres, it is found that desorbed CH₂⁺, CO⁺, CH₃OH⁺ ions originate to adsorbed methanol molecules. And OH⁺ ion, which was observed in MgO cleaved in water, is not observed obviously. All desorbed ions increase as the incidence angle of the electron approaches the direction of step lines on the cleaved surface. Especially CH₂⁺ shows the clearer tendency than the other desorbed ions.