A low-energy ion scattering study of Al(1 1 0) surface melting

The thermal behaviour of the (1 1 0) surface of aluminum is investigated by low-energy ion scattering along the 〈1 1̄ 0〉 and 〈0 0 1〉 azimuthal directions in the temperature range between 300 and 910 K. Surface channeling mode and neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy are used. Surface melting is observed and information on the evolution of the surface structure is gained with the help of simulations performed with the MARLOWE code. Experimental evidence for residual short range order is obtained along both azimuths within the quasi-liquid layer which probably consists of groups of surface atoms in correlated motion.