Alignment of D-2(V,J) Desorbed from Cu(111) - Low-Sensitivity of Activated Dissociative Chemisorption to Approach Geometry

Gulding SJ; Wodtke AM; Hou H; Rettner CT; Michelsen HA; Auerbach DJ

Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol.105, No.21, 9702-9705, 1996

Gulding SJ, Wodtke AM, Hou H, Rettner CT, Michelsen HA, Auerbach DJ

We have determined the alignment of D-2(upsilon,J) desorbed from Cu(111). The measurements reveal a small preference for "helicoptering" motion that increases with increasing J. At low J, the alignments are much smaller than predicted by recent calculations. We believe that the anisotropic potential may scramble the alignment as the molecules leave the surface.

Keywords:STATE-SPECIFIC DYNAMICS;ADSORPTION-DESORPTION;ROTATIONAL MOTION;SURFACE;H-2;HYDROGEN;ENERGY;POLARIZATION;EXCITATION;CU(100)