High resolution core level spectroscopy of hydrogen-terminated (1 0 0) diamond

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Science
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces are crucial for electronic applications.
• Previous studies show inconsistencies in analyzing the C1s core level spectra of diamond.
• Understanding core level shifts is vital for surface characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve inconsistencies in the C1s core level analysis of hydrogen-terminated (100) diamond.
• To identify and characterize surface-related components in diamond C1s spectra.
• To investigate the origin of the C1s core level asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Comparison of surface-sensitive and bulk-sensitive measurement modes.
• Analysis of C1s core level spectra.

Main Results:

• A distinct surface-related core level component was identified at lower binding energy.
• This component exhibits a chemical shift of 0.3 eV and is attributed to hydrogen termination.
• The asymmetry of the C1s core level is intrinsic to the bulk diamond peak, linked to sub-surface layers.

Conclusions:

• The study clarifies the C1s core level structure of hydrogen-terminated diamond.
• Surface termination significantly influences core level spectra.
• Sub-surface electronic structure contributes to spectral asymmetry.