The influence of annealing on the surface morphology of single crystal MgO

The surface morphology of (001)-oriented single crystal MgO has been studied as a function of annealing temperature using atomic force microscopy. The surface undergoes two significant changes in the temperature range 500 to 1750°C. Following annealing at 1000°C surface facetting is visible with the formation of well-defined steps and terraces. Following annealing at temperatures ≥ 1500°C the faceted surface structure is lost and planarization of the surface occurs.