Glass surface analysis by Auger electron spectroscopy

Specimens of glass with compositions corresponding to (a) modern bottle glass and (b) mediaeval window glass have been examined by Auger emission spectroscopy. The chemically cleaned surfaces initially show the presence of carbon, which decreases with irradiation time. Calcium signals increase to a steady value as the attenuating effect of the carbon decreases. Alkali metal signals generally increase and then subsequently decrease steadily, indicating a loss mechanism for these ions from the surface regions. The results indicate the limitations of AES as a method for glass studies.