Kinetics of morphological changes in nanoscalle metallic films followed by Auger electron spectroscopy

Thin metallic films deposited on oxide surfaces are subjected to surface forces which can induce morphological changes. Two cases are considered: (1) Ostwald ripening of particles and (2) beading of continuous films. These processes can be followed in-situ by Auger electron spectroscopy after an appropriate choice of the experimental conditions (temperature, thickness of the deposit and nature of the substrate). Examples are given for the gold/alumina system. The kinetics curves are analysed by invoking mass transfer surface diffusion of gold on alumina for the Ostwald ripening process, and surface self diffusion of gold for the beading process.