Adsorption and decomposition of H2S on the Ge(100) surface

The adsorption and decomposition of H2S on the Ge(100) surface is investigated. H2S is a simple sulfur containing molecule that eventually decomposes to yield hydrogen gas and deposits sulfur on the germanium surface. The surface reactions of H2S are investigated by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and temperature programmed desorption. Room temperature exposure of H2S to Ge(100) results in dissociative adsorption which can be followed easily by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Warming the H2S exposed surface results in some molecular desorption and further decomposition of the adsorbed species. At saturation, 0.25 ML of H2S decomposes generating 0.5 ML of atomic hydrogen. Above the hydrogen desorption temperature some etching of the germanium surface is observed by sulfur. The etch product, GeS, is subsequently observed in. temperature programmed desorption experiments. Exposure of H2S to the Ge surface at elevated temperatures leads to higher sulfur coverages. A sulfur coverage approaching 0.5 ML can be deposited at the higher exposure temperatures. (C) 1999 Elsevier:Science B.V. All rights reserved.