Molecule-surface scattering with velocity-controlled molecular beams.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerardus Meijer
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 52425315

We will construct a novel apparatus in which molecule-surface interaction can be studied using velocity-controlled molecular beams. A beam of CO molecules exiting from a Stark decelerator will scatter from a Au(111) surface. The use of Stark-deceleration in combination with stimulated emission pumping will provide fully state-selected beams of CO molecules with a continuously tunable velocity and with a narrow velocity-distribution. Scattering studies with these beams will not only enable an extraordinarily high resolution in the incidence translational energy but will also give access to unusually low incidence translational energies. We will address (i) electronically non-adiabatic coupling to bending motion of the CO adsorbate, (ii) the spectator role of translation and rotation in electronically nonadiabatic vibrational energy transfer, and (iii) molecule-surface scattering in the quantum reflection regime.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Major Instrumentation: Complete pumping system
• Instrumentation Group: 8160 Vakuumpumpstände (mit Vor- und Hochvakuumpumpen)
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Alec Michael Wodtke