Laser-activated chemisorption of SF6 molecules on a hot surface

Activated chemisorption of vibrationally excited SF₆ molecules was observed on the surface of tungsten at high temperatures. A quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to study the channels for negative surface ionization of a molecular beam excited by CO₂ laser radiation. Two types of adsorption centers with different molecular lifetimes were observed on the surface and laser excitation tended to reduce the potential barrier between these. A qualitative theory of the effect was developed. The measured temperature dependences were compared with the calculated ones.