Classical-trajectory studies of electron- or photon-stimulated desorption from ionic solids

We present trajectory calculations of electron- or photon-stimulated desorption of positive ions from alkali halides via the Coulomb explosion mechanism, in which desorption is due to the repulsive forces resulting from formation of a positive halogen ion (F+). In many circumstances, the lattice is shown to rearrange within 10-13 s and trap the F+ ion, thus blocking desorption. The dynamic lattice distortions are crucial in the determination of which desorption channels are open, which species desorb, and what final kinetic energies are obtained. © 1986 The American Physical Society.