Resonant soft X-ray reflectivity as a sensitive probe to investigate polished zinc sulphide surface

Resonant soft X-ray reflectivity measurements at and near the L3 absorption edge of sulphur have been performed on mechanically polished zinc sulphide using Indus-1 synchrotron source. A sulphur rich surface (∼15 nm thick) consisting of two layers with gradient electron density distribution was uniquely determined. As compared to bulk ZnS, the top layer has ∼30–50% less electron density whereas, the intermediate layer has ∼10–18% less electron density. Conventional hard X-ray reflectivity measurement at Cu Kα wavelength also indicates low electron density (sulphur rich) surface of ZnS but the technique was found insensitive for unique determination of electron density distribution. Optical constants of ZnS in the soft X-ray region (100–250 eV) have been reported for the first time and were in good agreement with the theoretically reported values.