New high-frequency vibrational features were measured in Ni(100)/O over a wide range of coverages, using high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. The results were shown to be at variance with the p(2 x 2) structural assignment derived from diffraction patterns observed at low O coverages. The data instead indicated a (2 x 2) reconstructed Ni(100)/c(2 x 2)O surface and, in addition, permitted the reconstruction model to be identified. This structural assignment reconciled both the low-energy electron diffraction and high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy results. The approach could be applied generally to the structural identification of surface reconstructed systems.

Vibrational Evidence of Surface Reconstruction in the Ni(100)/O System obtained using High-Resolution Electron-Energy-Loss Spectroscopy. J.C.de Verdière, J.Szeftel, P.Soukiassian: Physical Review B, 1990, 42, 7234-7