Analysis and theory of multilayer desorption: Ag on Re

A multilayer lattice gas model is set up to calculate the temperature programmed desorption spectra and other data for silver on rhenium. A careful comparison of experimental and theoretical desorption spectra implies that the surface is partially stepped with the step density likely increasing as one approaches the desorption range. Experimental temperature inhomogeneities of a few percent across the surface are suggested by careful isosteric and threshold Arrhenius analyses and theoretical modeling. A rate subtraction procedure commonly used to analyze multilayer desorption data is shown to be unnecessary. Layer plots are presented and some general features for overlapping desorption peaks are discussed.