Abstract

High electric fields of the order of several V/nm influence the adsorption-and desorption-processes of molecules [1]. Because photons are not effected by an electric field, they are suitable for investigating the underlying excitation mechanisms in the presence of such high electric fields. The effect of the external field on the adsorption and desorption processes should be particularly distinct if a polar adsorbate (e.g. water) is used. Therefore, experiments with synchrotron light were carried out with field emitters exposed to water vapor.

© 1991 Optical Society of America