Characterization of laser-irradiated YNi 2 B 2 C surfaces by Auger electron spectroscopy

The suitability of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for precise analysis of YNi(2)B(2)C has been investigated. The intensity ratios B/Y and Ni/Y were found to vary during ablation as a function of the ablation conditions. This could be because of fractionation, owing to incongruent ablation or transport and plasma effects. The bottoms and surroundings of the craters were investigated by scanning Auger electron spectrometry. The bottoms of the craters produced by ablation are covered with a thin oxide comparable with that on the polished crystal surface. The craters are surrounded by an oxide layer the dimensions and thickness of which depend on the laser conditions. The formation of this oxide can be assumed to be a result of partial oxidation of sample material during the ablation process; the oxide is then redeposited around the laser crater.