ABSTRACT
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2.1 INTRODUCTION
In probing a metallic surface with a view to understanding either its resistance to
environmental degradation or, if corroded, to understanding the mechanism of
attack, we will generally be interested in composition as a function of depth, and
position. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) can provide this information with a
depth resolution of the order of nanometers and a spatial resolution of the order of
10 nm. In many cases information on the chemical or valence state of the surface
species can also be obtained. The present review will enable full recognition of the
range of information that AES might offer to the investigation of corrosion pro-
cesses.
