Proton-induced Auger electrons from ultrathin Mn films on Fe(100)

Ultrathin Mn films are grown on Fe(100) and studied by Anger electrons induced by 25 keV protons scattered under grazing incidence from the film surface. The electron spectra indicate that significant interfacial alloying occurs juring growth of the first monolayer. Using model calculations we conclude that about 60% of the Mn atoms deposited have undergone place exchanges with Fe atoms from the substrate interface layer. Subsequent monolayers Brow as pure Mn films. These findings are supported by conventional electron-induced Anger electron spectroscopy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.