The theory of desorption from a general potential

Abstract

The desorption process of a gas atom from a general potential is examined numerically within one- and three-dimensional systems. The formal extension to three dimensions of a previously reported one-dimensional theory is presented and numerical results are compared with experiments. Simple expressions for the delay time result from the physical processes involved in the desorption step being strongly dependent upon the functional form of the potential near the bottom of the well. Results obtained when comparisons with physical systems are made, yield interaction potentials compatible with realistic values of both adatom surface bond lengths and well widths.