INCONEL 718 has been studied by Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the effect on the surface stoichiometry caused by heat treating in argon to 1000 C. Two surface regions are produced, the one closest to the argon-metal oxide interface being rich in O, Ti, Al, and Cr, and the one closest to the alloy being rich in O, Al, and Nb. Profiles show a gradual increase in the Ni and Nb signals as the profiling time increases. It is noted that during the profile, Al remains an oxide, and that the Ni and Nb signals have metal-like character even in the aluminum oxide phase, suggesting that N/sub 3/Nb exists with oxide at the surface. 6 references.