Deformation of cube-textured aluminum studied using laser-induced photoelectron emission

Abstract

The evolution of the kinetic energy distribution of photoelectrons from a cube-oriented aluminum sample during tensile deformation was probed with a retarding field energy analyzer. Because of the anisotropy of the aluminum work function, the electron-energy distribution is altered as the area fractions of the major surface planes change during deformation. In cube-textured aluminum, deformation reduces the {100} area fraction and the relatively low energy electrons from these surfaces. Conversely, the {110} and {111} area fractions and the relatively high energy electrons from these surfaces both increase. These changes are quantitatively consistent with texture analysis by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). They reflect deformation-induced production of {111} surfaces by slip and the exposure of {110} surfaces by grain rotation. Photoelectron kinetic energy measurements supplement EBSD measurements and are readily acquired in real-time.