Paul, as it was explained to me a long time ago by a forgotten physics
professor, mercury atoms are big, heavy atoms, much heavier than neon
or argon.
As I understand it, sputtering happens when energetic electrons or ions
knock metallic atoms off the surface of electrodes. If there happens to
be a big heavy mercury atom in close proximity, the newly freed metal
atom may bounce off it, right back onto the electrode surface where it
started. This would slow the rate of metal removal from the electrode.
As I think of it, I wonder if the mercury may bond or amalgamate with
the electrode surface, and become a renewable sacrificial surface layer
for the electrode.
Dave
On 3/8/2017 8:15 AM, Paul Andrews wrote:
OK, but how does it reduce sputtering?
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