Features of angular dependence of secondary electron emission from metal single crystals

The dependence of secondary electron emission coefficient σ on the angle α of primary electron incidence onto single crystals of metals with different crystalline lattice has been studied for undisturbed surface and for disturbed one by sputtering. We used the single crystals of Cu (fcc), Mo (bcc), Zn (hcp) and Ni4Mo (tetragonal lattice). It was shown that the coefficient σ is smaller for the disturbed surface, than for initial one due to absorption of secondary and scattered electrons by the lateral surfaces of hills and cones which are formed as a result of sputtering. For the initial surfaces (of Cu, Mo and Ni4Mo) the maxima of σ(α) in the low-index directions of the crystal lattice arise as a result of primary and secondary electron scattering on the atoms in open channels. At the same time, for the preliminary highly oxidized single crystal surface (of Zn) the minimum of σ in the direction of open channel was observed. The last can be explained by a reduction of work function of surface, and increase in penetration depth of electrons in open channel and by a rise of electron-phonon interaction. Angular dependences of secondary electron emission for a sputtered surface have a more complicated structure with the additional maxima and minima caused by interaction of secondary and scattered electrons with a cone-shaped relief. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.