Pulsed photoelectron microscope for time-resolved surface investigations

A new photoelectron emission microscope with a time/space resolution of 5 ns/1 mu m is presented. Short-exposure imaging is done by releasing the photoelectrons with an excimer laser pulse. It is a sensitive probe for surface parameters, in particular the local work function, and allows their fast changes to be visualised. The instrument is used to investigate metal foils and evaporated metal films on bulk substrates, treated with a pulsed, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. Local removal of oxide layers and adsorbates, and trapping of electrons by electronegative impurities in molten metals are traced on a nanosecond time scale. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.