Effect of low energy argon ion irradiation on the secondary electron emission spectrum of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Abstract

The secondary electron emission spectra (SEE) of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), glassy carbon and amorphous carbon were measured in the range of 5-100 eV electron kinetic energy. The spectrum of glassy carbon shows features similar to, but broader than those measured for HOPG. The SEE spectrum of HOPG was measured as a function of Ar+ irradiation dose and found to be very sensitive to damage. Based on a comparison with the SEE spectra measured for glassy carbon and amorphous carbon the nature of the Ar+ irradiation damage was assessed. It is concluded that SEE spectroscopy may be used as a sensitive probe to monitor the crystalline perfection and level of damage in HOPG. © 1990.