Laser desorption of submonolayers of Na and Cs from Ge substrates

Abstract

Laser‐pulse desorption of submonolayers of Na and Cs from Ge (100) substrates has been studied. It is found that fractional amounts of Na and Cs adsorbates can be desorbed without mechanical damage of the substrate. The fraction of alkali desorbed increases with increasing alkali coverage. The amount of desorption reaches saturation, however, with increasing number of laser‐pulse bombardment. Contrary to the results of thermal‐desorption experiments, Cs is desorbed more readily than Na.