Formation And Stability Of Actinide Oxides: A Valence Band Photoemission Study

Thin films of the actinides from Th to Am were investigated concerning their oxidation with molecular oxygen and the more reactive atomic oxygen. Photoemission spectroscopy was used to perform chemical analysis of the surface/near surface (bulk) region of actinide thin films produced by sputter deposition, therewith giving insight into oxidation and corrosion processes on these surfaces, as well as providing direct evidence on their electronic structure. Reaction intermediates (chemisorbed species, top-surface oxides) and the stable bulk oxides were identified and characterised. Their formation throughout the actinide series is interpreted in the framework of the electronic structure information.