SEARCH · Search NASA
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
The use of Auger spectroscopy to evaluate the effectiveness of plasma cleaning procedures in decontaminating Viking spacecraft is examined. Also investigated was the use of Auger spectroscopy to monitor organic contamination. Results show plasma cleaning can be used effectively to remove organic films and that Auger spectroscopy can be used to monitor organic contamination.
A custom scanning Auger electron microscope (SAM) capable of introducing a 3-5 keV electron beam of several nA into a 30 nm diameter sample area was fitted with a sample introduction system and was fully computerized to be used for materials science research. The method of multispectral Auger imaging was devised and implemented. The instrument was applied to various problems in materials science, including the study of the fiber/matrix interface in a SiC reinforced titanium alloy, the study of SiC whiskers in Al alloy 2124 (in cooperation with NASA-Langley), the study of NiCrAl superalloys (in collaboration with NASA-Lewis), the study of zircalloy specimens (in collaboration with Stanford University), and the microstructure of sintered SiC specimens (in collaboration with NASA-Lewis). The report contains a number of manuscripts submitted for publication on these subjects.
The effects of sputtering n-type (100)GaAs with 1 to 5 keV argon ions have been studied in ultrahigh vacuum. Auger electron and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies have been used to characterize the surface before and after sputtering. Gold Schottky contacts were prepared in situ to avoid contamination at the metal/semiconductor interface. The data show that sputtering depletes the surface in As, and the extent of depletion increased as the ion energy was increased. However, angular-resolved photoelectron data showed As was enriched on the outer atom layer by 5 keV but depleted by 1 keV Ar(+) sputtering. Current and capacitance versus voltage data showed that sputtering always lowered the Schottky barrier height and generally increased the ideality factor. However, the barrier height after 3 keV sputtering was higher than after 1 keV sputtering. Those effects are explained based on a combined effective work function model and creation of a donorlike surface damage layer. The donor layer was correlated with As depletion by sputtering. Deep level trap formation and annealing of sputtering effects were studied.
The surfaces of selected uncharged and hydrogen charged alpha-2 and gamma titanium aluminide alloys with Nb additions were characterized by Auger electron (AES) and reflected electron energy loss (REELS) spectroscopy. The alloy surfaces were cleaned before analysis at room temperature by ion sputtering. The low energy (500 eV) ion sputtering process preferentially sputtered the surface concentration. The surface concentrations were determined by comparing AES data from the alloys with corresponding data from elemental references. No differences were observed in the Ti or Nb Auger spectra for the uncharged and hydrogen charged alloys, even though the alpha-2 alloy had 33.4 atomic percent dissolved hydrogen. Also, no differences were observed in the AES spectra when hydrogen was adsorbed from the gas phase. Bulk plasmon energy shifts were observed in all alloys. The energy shifts were induced either by dissolved hydrogen (alpha-2 alloy) or hydrogen adsorbed from the gas phase (alpha-2 and gamma alloys). The adsorption induced plasmon energy shifts were greatest for the gamma alloy and cp-Ti metal.
A detailed quantitative study of the microstructural variation of chemical composition of chemically vapor-deposited commercial SiC SCS-6 fiber is presented. Chemical etching and various electron-optical techniques including SEM, TEM, scanning Auger microscopy, AES, and parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy are used to analyze the chemical composition of the as-received fiber. In addition, some results on stereology of the high-temperature annealed fiber are presented. The results show that the carbon-to-silicon atom ratio in the SiC layers decreases in a stepwise fashion from about 3:2 to about 1:1 in going from the innermost layer to the outermost layer.
A novel, multistep process for applying interface coatings to woven structures using a pulsed CVD process is being evaluated. Borazine (B3N3H6), a neat liquid, and several Si precursors are used in the process to produce BN and SiBN coatings on Hi- Nicalon fabrics and preforms. A three variable, two level, full factorial matrix is proposed to define the influence of processing parameters. Coating morphology, uniformity and chemistry are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive (EDS) and Auger spectroscopies.
The paper considers the interface between two bulk metals and the effect of this interface on adhesive bonding, resistance to tangential displacements, friction and the interfacial transport from one surface to another. Using Auger emission spectroscopy, field ion microscopy, and low energy electron diffraction techniques, the influence of surface orientation, lattice registry, crystal lattice structure and defects, metal surface chemistry and alloying on the characteristics of the interface was studied for noble, platinum, transition, and Group 4B metals. With dissimilar metals in contact, epitaxial transfer of the cohesively weaker to the cohesively stronger metal has been observed. Surface chemical activity of the noble and platinum metals is shown to affect interfacial behavior as does a valence bonding in the transition metals, and the degree of metallic nature in the Group 4B elements. Alloying elements, e.g., Si and Fe, can alter interfacial behavior by segregation to the surface of metals or by altering bulk properties such as crystal transformation kinetics.
The surface composition of liquid gallium-tin alloys is studied in an Auger electron spectrometer as a function of bulk composition and temperature. The sessile drop samples are cleaned by argon ion bombardment sputtering of the liquid. This technique produces surfaces that are entirely free of impurities within the sensitivity of the spectrometer and remain so for many days. Tin is found to be strongly adsorbed at the liquid-vacuum interface. Surface concentrations based on Auger measurements are found to be in reasonably good agreement with values calculated from surface tension measurements interpreted in terms of a monolayer depth distribution model for the adsorbed tin.
Auger electron emission from aluminum bombarded with 1 to 5 keV neon ions was studied by angle-resolved electron spectroscopy. The position and shape of the spectral features depended on the incident ion energy, angle of ion incidence, and electron take-off angle with respect to the aluminum surface. These spectral dependencies were interpreted in terms of the Doppler shift given to the Auger electron velocity by the excited atom ejected into the vacuum. For oblique ion incidence it is concluded that a flux of high energy atoms are ejected in a direction close to the projection of the ion beam on the target surface. In addition, a new spectral feature was found and identified as due to Auger emission from excited neon in the aluminum matrix.
This report presents the results of the secondary electron emission spectroscopy study of hydrogenated diamond surfaces for single crystals and chemical vapor-deposited polycrystalline films. One-electron calculations of Auger spectra of diamond surfaces having various hydrogen coverages are presented, the major features of the experimental spectra are explained, and a theoretical model for Auger spectra of hydrogenated diamond surfaces is proposed. An energy shift and a change in the line shape of the carbon core-valence-valence (KVV) Auger spectra were observed for diamond surfaces after exposure to an electron beam or by annealing at temperatures higher than 950 C. This change is related to the redistribution of the valence-band local density of states caused by hydrogen desorption from the surface. A strong negative electron affinity (NEA) effect, which appeared as a large, narrow peak in the low-energy portion of the spectrum of the secondary electron energy distribution, was also observed on the diamond surfaces. A fine structure in this peak, which was found for the first time, reflected the energy structure of the bottom of the conduction band. Further, the breakup of the bulk excitons at the surface during secondary electron emission was attributed to one of the features of this structure. The study demonstrated that the NEA type depends on the extent of hydrogen coverage of the diamond surface, changing from the true type for the completely hydrogenated surface to the effective type for the partially hydrogenated surface.
Two mirror designs developed for space applications were flown along with a standard mid-infrared design on the leading and trailing edges of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Preliminary observations of induced changes in optical performance of ZnS-coated mirrors and impact-related microstructural and microchemical effects are described in the proceedings of the First LDEF Post-Retrieval Symposium. In this paper, effects of the induced environment and meteoroid/debris impacts on mirror performance are described in more detail. Also, an analysis of reflectance spectra using the results of Auger and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) profiling measurements are used to identify an optical-degradation mechanism for the ZnS-coated mirrors. Structural damage associated with a high-velocity impact on a (Si/Al2O3)-coated mirror was imaged optically and with scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM). Scanning Auger and SIMS analysis provided chemical mapping of selected impact sites. The impact data suggest design and fabrication modifications for obtaining improved mechanical performance using a design variation identified in preflight laboratory simulations. Auger surface profile and SIMS imaging data verified the conclusion that secondary impacts are the source of contamination associated with the dendrites grown on the leading-edge ZnS-coated test samples. It was also found that dendrites can be grown in the laboratory by irradiating contaminated sites on a trailing-edge ZnS-coated sample with a rastered electron beam. These results suggest a mechanism for dendrite growth.
An energy shift and a change of the line shape of the carbon core-valence-valence Auger spectra are observed for diamond surfaces after their exposure to an electron beam, or annealing at temperatures higher then 950 C. The effect is studied for both natural diamond crystals and chemical-vapor-deposited diamond films. A theoretical model is proposed for Auger spectra of hydrogenated diamond surfaces. The observed changes of the carbon Auger line shape are shown to be related to the redistribution of the valence-band local density of states caused by the hydrogen desorption from the surface. One-electron calculation of Auger spectra of diamond surfaces with various hydrogen coverages are presented. They are based on self-consistent wave functions and matrix elements calculated in the framework of the local-density approximation and the self-consistent linear muffin-tin orbital method with static core-hole effects taken into account. The major features of experimental spectra are explained.
The adhesion and transfer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to metals in ultrahigh vacuum were studied. The transfer was effected both by compressive static contact and by sliding contact. The transfer observed after static contact was independent of the chemical constitution of the substrate. Electron-induced desorption of the fluorine in the transferred PTFE showed that the fluorine had no chemical interaction with the metal substrate. The coefficient of friction on metals was independent of the chemical constitution of the substrate. However, sliding PTFE on soft metals, such as aluminum, generated wear fragments that lodged in the PTFE and machined the substrate.
The adhesion and transfer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to metals in ultrahigh vacuum has been studied using Auger emission spectroscopy. The transfer was effected both by compressive static contact and by sliding contact. The transfer observed after static contact was independent of the chemical constitution of the substrate. Electron induced desorption of the fluorine in the transferred PTFE showed that the fluorine had no chemical interaction with the metal substrate. The coefficient of friction on metals was independent of the chemical constitution of the substrate. However, sliding PTFE on soft metals such as aluminum, generated wear fragments that lodged in the PTFE and machined the substrate.
Bonding across the interface for two solids in contact and the subsequent transfer of material from one surface to another is a direct result of the interfacial bonds being stronger than the cohesive bonds in either of the two solids. Surface tools such as LEED, Auger emission spectroscopy, field ion microscopy, and the atom probe are used to examine adhesive contacts and to determine the direction, nature, quantity of material transfer and properties of the solids which effect transfer and wear. The electronic nature, cohesive binding energies, surface structure, lattice disregistry and distribution of species in surface layers are all found to effect adhesion and transfer or transport for clean surfaces in solid state contact. The influence of adsorbed and reacted surface films from fractions of a monolayer to multilayer reactive films are considered. It is shown that even fractions of a monolayer of surface active species such as oxygen and sulfur can markedly inhibit adhesion and transport.
A surface potential model is developed to explain dopant effects on chemical vapor deposition. Auger analysis of the interaction between allotropic forms of carbon and silicon films has shown Si-C formation for all forms by glassy carbon. LEED intensity measurements have been used to determine the mean square displacement of surface atoms of silicon single crystals, and electron loss spectroscopy has shown the effect of structure and impurities on surface states located within the band gap. A thin film of Al has been used to enhance film crystallinity at low temperature.
Procedures for fabricating high purity single crystals of LaB6 and SmB6 have been developed. Auger spectroscopy shows that a clean surface can be obtained by thermal heating at 1700 K; such a clean surface gives a value of B/La of 2.3 to 2.6 for the (100) face. The measured thermionic and FERP work functions of the (100) face of LaB6 are 2.47 and 2.28 eV, respectively. The electron reflection coefficient for LaB6(100) increases near zero primary energy to 0.5. Flash thermal desorption of an oxygen dosed surface showed that B2O3 is the desorption product at 1600 to 1700 K. A work function increase of 1.6 eV was observed on oxygen adsorption on LaB6(100). Thermal desorption of Co occurs at approximately 1300 K. A reduction of the work function to 1.39 eV was observed on adsorption of a partial monolayer of Cs on LaB6(100). The evaporation of LaB6 occurs as atomic La and B with a value of B/La of 6 to 3 in the temperature range 1700 to 2000 K. The activation energies of desorption for La and B are 6.3 + or - 0.3 and 6.8 + or - 0.3 eV, respectively.
Room temperature tensile strengths of as-received Hi-Nicalon fibers and those having BN/SiC, p-BN/SiC, and p-B(Si)N/SiC surface coatings, deposited by chemical vapor deposition, were measured using an average fiber diameter of 13.5 microns. The Weibull statistical parameters were determined for each fiber. The average tensile strength of uncoated Hi-Nicalon on was 3.19 +/- 0.73 GPa with a Weibull modulus of 5.41. Strength of fibers coated with BN/SiC did not change. However, coat with p-BN/SiC and p-B(Si)N/SiC surface layers showed strength loss of approx. 10 and 35 percent, respectively, compared with as-received fibers. The elemental compositions of the fibers and the coatings were analyzed using scanning Auger microprobe and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The BN coating was contaminated with a large concentration of carbon and some oxygen. In contrast, p-BN, p-B(Si)N, and SiC coatings did not show any contamination. Microstructural analyses of the fibers and the coatings were done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction. Hi-Nicalon fiber consists of the P-SIC nanocrystals ranging in size from 1 to 30 nm embedded in an amorphous matrix. TEM analysis of the BN coating revealed four distinct layers with turbostatic structure. The p-BN layer was turbostratic and showed considerable preferred orientation. The p-B(Si)N was glassy and the silicon and boron were uniformly distributed. The silicon carbide coating was polycrystalline with a columnar structure along the growth direction. The p-B(Si)N/SiC coatings were more uniform, less defective and of better quality than the BN/SiC or the p-BN/SiC coatings.