Photodesorption

Abstract

Monochromatic radiation with a wavelength between 2000 and 6000 Å is shown to desorb CO from surfaces of Fe, Ni, and Zr. The desorption efficiency has a maximum at 2700 Å for Ni, at less than 2500 Å for Zr, and in the visible region for Fe. Photodesorption from W and Mo was not detected. A suggested mechanism for photodesorption indicates that valuable information concerning surface binding can be obtained from refined measurements.