Gas—surface interactions and dynamics; Thermal energy atomic and molecular beam studies

Recent advances in the use of thermal energy atomic and molecular beam methods to explore the dynamics of physical and chemical processes occuring at surfaces are reviewed. Both experimental and theoretical aspects are surveyed. Topics include diffraction of light atoms and molecules, inelastic scattering and phonon processes, rotational and vibrational energy exchage, trapping, sticking and desorption, and chemical reactions. The aim is to show how recent experiments and theoretical studies have contributed to the understanding of surface structures, kinetics and dynamics.