Analysis of the Li KLL Auger Transition on Freshly Exposed Lithium and Lithium Surface Oxide by AES

Abstract

Lithium scribed in vacuum and a particle of lithium oxide were analysed by AES and lithium metal exposed to atmosphere for <1 min was analysed by XPS. The oxide particle embedded in the host metal was analysed at low and high take off angles. AES spectra acquired demonstrate the change in the KLL structure with increasing oxygen concentration. Survey spectra as well as high resolution narrow spectra were acquired and are presented. The presence of lithium carbonate, together with the oxide, formed in air, was confirmed by XPS as it is not easily resolvable using AES.