Metal particles on surfaces-desorption, optical spectra, and laser-induced size manipulation

Abstract

Desorption induced by electronic excitation with laser light is discussed. Emphasis is placed on nonthermal desorption where surface plasma excitation in small particles precedes the rupture of the surface chemical bond. A scenario for the mechanism underlying such a process is proposed. In this context, calculations of the electronic spectra of small sodium particles are presented and the influence of different multipole orders of the collective electron oscillation, of different shapes of the clusters and of the substrate are outlined. Furthermore, manipulation of the size distribution of metal particles on supports is described as an application of the effect. This allows the preparation of very special surfaces with novel physical and chemical properties. Methods to characterize such adsorbate-substrate combinations, especially by use of the optical spectra of the particles, are also discussed. Finally, prospects for future experiments in this field are outlined.