The structure of Scandium thin films on the W(100) surface observed using emission microscopy

Thermionic emission microscopy is used to observe scandium on W(100). Scandium thin films were deposited by thermal evaporation from a metal source onto W(100). The scandium films on W(100) were observed to dewet from the W(100) surface and to form droplets when the surface is heated: the dewetting temperature is thickness dependent, and spans a range from 500 to 800 C, far below the melting temperature (1541 C). Thinner films produce smaller droplets.