Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Spectra of photoelectrons and thermionic electrons emitted from silicon during pulsed laser irradiation at energy densities encompassing the thresholds for laser annealing and damage are reported. Annealing is accomplished with a 90-nsec pulse of 532-nm light, which may be accompanied by a 266-nm probe pulse. A cylindrical mirror analyzer is used for energy resolution of emitted electrons. Time-resolved reflectivity at 633 nm verifies attainment of the high-reflectivity annealing phase. Spectral widths and total yields imply a modest electron temperature (T < 3000 K) during annealing. The data suggest that the work function of the silicon (111) face may increase about 0.6 eV upon transition to the molten phase.