Evidence for a surface exciton in KBr via laser desorption

Journal Article · Thu Mar 15 00:00:00 EST 2001 · Physical Review B

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.63.125423· OSTI ID:40205452

Beck, Kenneth M; Joly, Alan G; Hess, Wayne P

We demonstrate that direct photoexcitation of the single crystal KBr surface leads to desorption of hyperthermal neutral bromine atoms. We have produced separately the hyperthermal and the near-thermal components of neutral halogen emission from an alkali halide. The source of hyperthermal bromine emission is attributed to decay of a surface exciton excited at photon energies below that of the bulk exciton. We argue that the frequently observed near-thermal component is derived from excitation within the bulk crystal. Our experimental data provide strong support to a theoretical excitonic emission model previously described in the literature.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40205452
• Journal Information: Physical Review B, Vol. 63, Issue 12; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.63.125423; Othernumber: PRBMDO000063000012125423000001; 074112PRB; PBD: 15 Mar 2001; ISSN 0163-1829
• Publisher: The American Physical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ATOMS
BROMINE
DECAY
DESORPTION
EXCITATION
EXCITONS
HALOGENS
HYDROXIDES
LASERS
MONOCRYSTALS
PHOTONS