Electron-beam-stimulated processes at CdS surfaces observed by real-time atomic-resolution electron microscopy

Electron-beam-induced changes in the structure of partially amorphous CdS surfaces have been observed directly by atomic-resolution electron microscopy. A sequence of atomic rearrangements leading to nucleation and growth of cubic CdS and hexagonal Cd has been documented. Inelastic electron collisions lead to crystallization of overlying amorphous CdS material whereas electron-stimulated desorption of S from the underlying CdS crystal results in precipitation of Cd crystallites at the crystalline/amorphous interface. From 100 to 500 keV the events are almost energy-independent.