Formation of pseudo-hexagonal pyramidal structures on (111) crystallographic surfaces of cubic PbTe crystals by ion sputtering

On the example of the PbTe compound we present the results of the study of the interplay between the crystallographic orientation of the surfaces of high reticular density and easy cleaving of the crystals of cubic symmetry and the shape of surface structures induced by prolonged ion sputtering. We found that in case of right combination of the crystallographic orientation of both the sputtering surface and the planes of high reticular density in the aggregate with easy cleaving of the crystals, the pyramidal structures of pseudo-hexagonal shape can be formed on the sputtering surface of cubic crystals. In case of PbTe these are the surfaces of (111) crystallographic orientation subject to the presence of sputter-resistant protective shields on them. When the protective shields are destroyed, the hexagonal structures are transformed into trihedral pyramids. The pseudo-hexagonal pyramidal structures are characterized by indistinct edges and terrace-shaped lateral facets, whereas the facets of the trihedral pyramids, into which they are transformed during the ion bombardment, are mirror-smooth. We prove that: (a) the maximally sharpened pseudo-hexagonal pyramids, ion-induced on PbTe (111) sputtering surfaces, are formed as a result of self-organization of the crystallographic planes of the family {0ī2}, the reticular density of which directly follows the reticular density of the plane of the sputtered surface; (b) the roughness of the lateral facets of pseudo-hexagonal pyramids, as well as the mirroring of the facets of the trihedral pyramids is due to the impact of crystallographic planes of the {100}family, which are the planes of the greatest reticular density and easiest cleaving for PbTe crystals. [Display omitted] •We show the formation of pseudo-hexagonal pyramids on cubic crystal sputtering surfaces.•Right combination of the planes of sputtering and easy cleaving is needed for this.•Such combination is realized on PbTe crystals with (111) sputtering surfaces.•The pseudo-hexagonal pyramids are formed by the terrace-shaped lateral facets.•They are transformed into the trihedral pyramids during prolonged sputtering.