Dynamics of adsorption/desorption of NeCu(111): sticking

The sticking coefficient s of Ne on Cu at substrate temperatures T s between 5 and 30 K is computed, within the framework of the same theoretical model as already used for thermal desorption. At very low T s , s is worked out taking advantage of the proportionality between sticking and desorption rates when desorption is an infrequent event . In this regime, s increases with T s . At higher T s where desorption is not an infrequent event, master equations must be used, and there is no longer proportionality between sticking and desorption rates. In this regime, s decreases with increasing T s . Calculations for two different potentials fitted to the bound states show that sticking is a much more sensitive probe of the form of the gas—solid potential than thermal desorption fluxes.