Structure of Au(100) and Au(111) single crystals surfaces prepared by flame annealing

The surfaces of flame annealed Au(111) and Au(100) single crystals have been investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and reflectivity. Electropolished crystals were flame annealed for various lengths of time and studied for structural changes. Electropolishing of the Au(111) and Au(100) crystals produced smooth surfaces with no evidence for reconstructions. Upon flame annealing the Au(111) was slightly roughened, possibly due to stacking fault growth at the surface, while the Au(100) was smoothed with evidence for the hexagonal reconstruction.