Thermal-induced change in surface termination of DyScO3(110)

Auger electron spectroscopy using excitation by grazing impact of protons and by impact of electrons was applied to determine the elemental composition of the topmost and near-surface layers of DyScO3(110). The vicinal DyScO3 crystals were annealed at 1320 K in O2 and Ar atmospheres by varying annealing time. The prepared surfaces show regularly arranged, smooth terraces with single-atomic steps. The surfaces have DyO termination after annealing in oxygen flow for 30-60 min. Annealing for 600 min of DyScO3 in oxidizing or inert atmospheres resulted in a ScOx termination.