Abstract
In situ observation by means of a scanning Auger microprobe of surfaces of brass produced by diamond tipindenting or scratching in UHV was carried out. The main results obtained are as follows.
(1) The ratio of zinc to copper peak height remains nearly constant in spite of the indenting or scratchingcondition.
(2) Clcan surfaces are not produced by indenting.
(3) In case of scratching at a low speed of 0.1mm/s under loads heavier than 30 g (60kglmm2) in a vacuum better than10-8Pa, carbon and oxygen elements are not detected, and the surface composition is good agreement with the bulk one. That is, atomically clean surfaces of brass are created by diamond tip scratching.
