Abstract

The surface migration of adsorbed species is a fundamental kinetic step in most surface chemical reactions, e.g., those involved in heterogeneous catalysis, thin-film growth, and etching. Consequently, numerous techniques have been developed over the years for measuring surface-migration rates. Most of these techniques, however, are only applicable to strongly bound or robust adsorbates, such as atoms and some diatomic molecules, since they involve subjecting the surface to extreme environmental conditions, such as large electric fields or electron bombardment. An ultrahigh vacuum is usually also a requirement.

© 1985 Optical Society of America