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Observation of direct multiquantum vibrational excitation in gas-surface scattering: NH/sub 3/ on Au(111)

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
Vibrationally excited NH/sub 3/ molecules are observed in the scattering of NH/sub 3/ (v = 0) from Au(111). We observe up to three quanta of vibrational excitation in the ..nu../sub 2/ ''umbrella'' vibrational mode of NH/sub 3/. The vibrational excitation probability scales linearly with the kinetic energy of the incident beam above a threshold energy corresponding to the quanta excited, and is independent of the surface temperature, T/sub s/, over the range 300 Kless than or equal toT/sub s/less than or equal to800 K. These results are discussed in terms of an electronically adiabatic collisional mechanism for vibrational excitation.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5645390
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 59:24; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English