Dynamics of high-barrier surface reactions: laser-assisted associative desorption of N2 from Ru(0001)
We have determined the dynamics and energetics of associative desorption of N2 from Ru(0001) using both an experimental technique, laser-assisted associative desorption, and density functional calculations. These show that N2 is preferentially desorbed into very high vibrational states and that the barriers between gas phase N2 and adsorbed N atoms increase from 2 to >3 eV with increasing N coverage on the surface. This experimental technique is found to be quite insensitive to low barrier steps and defects which complicate interpretations from other methods of studying high-barrier surface reactions.
Diekhoner
L
Fysisk Institut, SDU-Odense Universitet, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Mortensen
H
Baurichter
A
Luntz
AC
Hammer
B