FIELD ION MICROSCOPY OF GOLD

The phenomenon of hydrogen promotion of field evaporation has been applied to the problem of producing stable images of highly perfect gold FIM specimens. Well developed, stable end forms of gold specimens were obtained by first field evaporating the gold specimen in a 0.5% H2Single Bond signHe gas mixture, then removing the hydrogen gas, and finally imaging the surface in a 25% NeSingle Bond signHe gas mixture. The imaging temperature of the specimen was ∼ 16°K. Details of the experimental observations concerning hydrogen promotion of field evaporation, and the characteristics of the gold end form are reported. © 1968 The American Institute of Physics.