Internal state distributions of molecules scattering and desorbing from surfaces

Abstract

In this paper some recent applications of state specific detection techniques to studies of molecules interacting with surfaces are reviewed. We concentrate on the direct inelastic scattering of NO from Ag(111). Coupling of translational to rotational motion is found to be a dominant energy transfer channel while vibrational excitation has a very small probability. Measured rotational state distributions exhibit several interesting features including rotational rainbows and rotational allignment. Quantum mechanical calculations on a simple model of the scattering provide a semi-quantitative description of the results and allow information on the interaction potentials to be derived. State specific measurements of molecules thermally desorbing from surfaces are also briefly discussed. © 1983.