Electron-stimulated desorption of K atoms from potassium adlayers on a K$_{x}$Au$_{y}$ surface

Electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of K atoms from the surface of K/K$_{x}$Au$_{y}$/Au/W system has been studied. It is established that the ESD process occurs in the K adlayer and adjacent K$_{x}$Au$_{y}$ subsurface layer. A model of the ESD of K atoms from the K/K$_{x}$Au$_{y}$/Au/W system is proposed. Semiconductor nature of K$_{x}$Au$_{y}$ compounds is confirmed.