The word "low energy electron diffraction" is spelled as /loʊ ˈɛnərdʒi ˈɛlɪkt rɒn dɪˈfrækʃən/. The first syllable "loʊ" represents the long "o" sound, followed by the stress on "ɛnərdʒi" which is pronounced as "EN-er-jee". The second part "ɛlɪkt rɒn" represents the two-syllable word "electron" with the stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation of "dɪˈfrækʃən" emphasizes the "frak" sound in the second syllable. Learning the IPA phonetic transcription allows one to accurately pronounce and spell complex scientific terms like "low energy electron diffraction".
Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) is a technique used in the field of surface science to study the atomic structure and surface morphology of a material. It involves directing low energy electrons onto the surface of a sample and analyzing the diffraction pattern they create.
In LEED, electrons with energies typically ranging from a few electron volts to a few hundred electron volts are generated by an electron gun and directed onto the sample surface. These low energy electrons interact with the surface atoms and are diffracted by the crystal structure of the material. The scattered electrons form a diffraction pattern, which can be detected and analyzed to obtain information about the surface structure.
LEED provides valuable insights into the arrangement and ordering of atoms on the surface of a material. By measuring the diffraction intensities and spacings, scientists can determine the crystal symmetry, atomic arrangement, and lattice constants of the surface. Additionally, LEED is useful for investigating surface defects, such as adatoms, vacancies, and adsorbates, and their influence on the surface properties.
LEED is a non-destructive technique that can be carried out in ultra-high vacuum conditions to minimize sample contamination. It is widely used in the study of thin films, single crystal surfaces, and surface reconstructions. The information obtained from LEED experiments contributes to a better understanding of surface physics, heterogeneous catalysis, and the behavior of materials at the nanoscale.