Magnetic field effect on spin dependent conversion of nonequilibrium Si–O chemical bonds on the Czochralski-grown Si crystal surface

Abstract

The magnetic field effect on the surface oxidation of Czochralski-grown Si single crystals has been observed via atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, secondary emission ion and Auger spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The changes in the concentration of oxygen complexes and chemical elements on the crystal surface exposed to a magnetic field of 0.17 T are evidence of spin dependent surface reactions involving unstable intermediate Si–O–Si complexes as precursors. The experimental data have been discussed in terms of the theory of spin dependent reactions controlled by magnetic field.