The optical anisotropy of the Au(110) surface

The Au(110) surface was studied in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and in an electrochemical environment using Reflection Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS), a surface sensitive optical probe which can be used in a variety of pressure regimes. The spectrum observed in UHV was analysed using an empirical 3- media Fresnel analysis and interpreted in terms of published theoretical and experimental electron spectroscopy data, and scanning tunnelling microscopy data obtained in-situ on the Au(110) surface. The RAS spectrum is shown to be sensitive to the surface electronic states and surface morphology on the Au(110) surface. Spectra obtained from the Au(110)-electrolyte interface were analysed in a similar way and were shown to be sensitive to changes in order on the surface. This work also confirmed the survival of surface electronic states in an electrochemical environment. Studies of the temperature dependence of the RAS of the Au(110) surface in UHV showed that the effect of thermal disorder could be explained by the known variation in surface morphology that occurs with temperature. Physical disorder introduced by argon ion sputtering was observed to affect the RAS spectrum from Au(110). This was interpreted in terms of the variation in step height induced by bombardment. Large changes were observed in the RAS spectrum of the Au(110) surface following oxygen exposure and subsequent Ar+ ion bombardment. (author)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN043480 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo