HIGH RESOLUTION ELECTRON ENERGY LOSS SPECTROSCOPY APPLIED TO A GRAPHITE SURFACE MODIFIED BY ION BOMBARDMENT

Abstract

This work presents the application of the technique known as high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) to the study of a modern technological surface. First the physics of the interaction of low energy electrons with surfaces is briefly reviewed. The dielectric theory of inelastic electron scattering is outlined, with its application to surfaces and the excitation of phonons, polaritons and plasmons. Then a study of the modification of a graphite surface by Ar and H ion bombardment is presented, in relation with graphite surfaces modified by plasma wall interactions in fusion reactors. The observations of phonons and low energy plasmons are reported, with the C–H stretching vibrations as well following the H + bombardment. These observations are related to structural and chemical modifications induced by the ion bombardment.