Structure and reactivity of atomic surfaces of barium titanate under electron irradiation

Abstract

Abstract Electron-beam-induced chemical decomposition of the surface of barium titanate crystals has been studied at atomic resolution using a high-resolution electron microscope. Computer simulated images have been used to identify the crystal structure of the modified surface layers. Nanocrystallites of TiO and a continuous layer of BaO form in epitaxial relationship with the underlying BaTiO3. Disorder in mixed TiO-BaO regions, as well as surface morphology, may be directly interpreted.