Chemical bond at the Si(111)/Yb interface via Auger line-shape spectroscopy analysis

Abstract

We present Si ${L}_{2}$,3VV Auger and Yb Coster-Kronig and super-Coster-Kronig spectra for the Si(111)/Yb interface as a function of the Yb coverage. A line-shape analysis of these spectra allows one to recognize a partial filling up of the Yb 5d states along with the formation of Si 3p--Yb 5d hybrids when Si and Yb atoms chemically interact. Analogies with other Si-metal chemical bonds are discussed.