Elastic and rotationally inelastic diffraction of hydrogen molecular beams from the (001) face of LiF at 80°K

Abstract

The in‐plane scattering of H₂ molecules at thermal energies from the (001) face of LiF was studied at low temperatures, by means of nozzle beam techniques. Both elastic and rotationally inelastic diffraction peaks were resolved over a wide range of incident and final angles. Taking into account the properties of the supersonic beam, diffraction probabilities were derived for the observed peaks. A discussion of the results in light of the present theories is given. The large probability of occurrence of rotational transitions in the presence of the surface is pointed out.