Dynamics of State-Selected Ion/Surface Reactions

University Of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN

Investigators

Abstract

The detailed mechanism of the interaction of state-selected ions with solid surfaces is the focus of this research project supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. Professor Dennis Jacobs and his colleagues at the University of Notre Dame use state-selected scattering of ion beams from well characterized surfaces, coupled with state-specific detection of the scattered ion products, to determine the microscopic mechanisms of ion-surface interactions. Mechanisms of charge transfer, ion fragmentation, and atom abstraction during the surface collision are addressed. The dissociative neutralization of hydrogen molecule ion colliding with Al(111), the interactions of HBr+ with the Si(100) surface, and alkali-atom abstraction in the collision of NH3+ with alkali dosed metal surfaces are the specific systems chosen for study. Information from these studies is useful in understanding reactive ion etching, atmospheric ion chemistry, and spacecraft dynamics. In order to develop a complete understanding of the interaction of ions with surfaces, detailed state specific dynamic information is needed. This research project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, focusses on obtaining this sort of information. The fundamental research carried out in Professor Jacobs' laboratory at Notre Dame, addresses the microscopic mechanisms of charge exchange, fragmentation, and atom abstraction when ions collide with surfaces. This information is useful in applications ranging from semiconductor processing to sattelite dynamics.