Electron-stimulated desorption: Principles and applications

The desorption of surface-bound species induced by electronic excitation mechanisms is a fascinating phenomenon of fundamental as well as technological importance. This article summarizes the wealth of knowledge that has been gained through studies of low-energy electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of atoms, molecules, and molecular fragments from a variety of adsorbate/substrate systems. A survey of popular theoretical models often invoked to explain ESD phenomena is presented, followed by a brief discussion of the experimental aspects of a variety of ESD measurements. Specific literature examples are then highlighted to illustrate the usefulness of ESD techniques in elucidating the bonding geometry and surface dynamics of adsorbed species. Finally, a bibliography of published literature in the field is included as an appendix.